MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation & Improvement Corporation will host a first-time homebuyer class from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at the CHRIC Office in the former Mayville Central School building, 2 Academy St., Mayville.

At the class, Oscar Santos, CHRIC’s homeownership program counselor, will outline the requirements to participate in the program.

The First Time Homebuyer Education Program includes a combination of a group class and individual counseling sessions introducing participants to a detailed review of the mechanics of the home purchase process. Participants will learn about affordable mortgage products, including any down-payment and/or closing cost assistance programs for which they may qualify, budgeting, savings, resolving credit issues, identifying a house, negotiating the contract, obtaining financing, preparing for closing, and life as a homeowner.

The First Time Homebuyer Education Program is in partnership with support from Bank of America, Community Bank NA, HUD, Five Star Bank, Lake Shore Savings Bank, M & T Bank, NeighborWorks America, Northwest Savings Bank and the USDA.

“Homeownership is what the vast majority of Americans want to achieve,” Santos said.

CHRIC’s Homeownership Education Program is designed to assist first-time homebuyers in becoming mortgage-ready. For more information, call Santos at 716-753-4342, 716-363-4342 in Dunkirk; 716-753-7342 in Jamestown or email oscar_santos@chric.org

All individuals interested in becoming homeowners are welcome to participate regardless of income or residence.

Seating is limited and pre-registration is required by Wednesday, March 19, as is a $50 enrollment fee per person or $75 per couple, by contacting Santos. The enrollment fee is to cover the cost of a credit report, the educational materials provided, and other program delivery expenses. Cash, check or money order are accepted.

CHRIC also offers the Education Course online through eHomeAmerica for the cost of $100 per person, and the same information. It can be easily accessed, completed at one’s own pace and in two different languages, English and Spanish, by visiting www.eHomeAmerica.org/chric.