Homebuyer education class promotes financial literacy, resources Community News by Tatum Mitchell - October 9, 2024October 9, 2024 BRIGHTON – The Real Estate Department hosted a homebuyer education class through Tribal Community Development on Sept. 12 at the Brighton Administrative Building. The session was a part of a series of homebuyer classes this year with others in Hollywood, Big Cypress and Immokalee. Future classes are being planned for the Lakeland and Tampa area according to Wendy Larson, Real Estate loan manager. Tribal Community Development’s goal is to “educate and empower tribal members to become homeowners, while providing outstanding customer service and the tools and necessary support needed to assist them in obtaining financial security,” according to the presentation. The class covered information regarding tools to accomplish homeownership, the process and programs for loan approval, and general tips for success. The group participated in a definition-to-term matching exercise, as well as a budgeting game. The matching exercise consisted of a list of relevant terms and definitions, and participants had to correctly indicate which ones paired together. The budgeting game outlined recommendations to break down income into percentages of savings and spending. For example, the suggested monthly savings percentage is 10% of a total monthly income. Larson and Charmaine Westberry, Real Estate credit counseling manager, discussed credit scores and how to maintain good standing. They said lenders are usually looking for a positive credit history, low amount of debt and savings. They emphasized their role in the community to help people understand and organize their finances in a nonjudgemental way. “We’re here to help,” Larson said. For more information or questions, contact realestateservices@semtribe.com. Share on Facebook Share Share on TwitterTweet Share on Pinterest Share Share on LinkedIn Share Share on Digg Share