Fannie Mae and NY Knicks host home-buying forum at MSG

Real Estate Weekly, Sept 20, 2000

Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City's (NHS) homeownership counselors will participate in panel discussions and be available for one-on-one counseling at the Fannie Mae foundation's home buying fair this month. The home buying fair, sponsored by the Fannie Mae foundation and the New York Knicks, will be held Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Madison Square Garden.

This year, all fairgoers will have the opportunity to apply for a free credit report, courtesy of the Fannie Mae foundation. Credit counselors will be available to assist attendees in the application process and schedule on-site consultations on resolving credit problems.

Along with getting a free credit report, participants will be able to get a copy of "Knowing and Understanding Your Credit," a guide that helps consumers understand what credit is, learn how to establish good credit, and repair credit problems. The guide will be made available in English and Spanish.

"There are many families in the New York are who are eager to own their own homes, but may need additional preparation and education in order to achieve that goal," said Fannie Mae foundation president and CEO Stacey H. Davis. "This free home-buying fair is a one stop location that provides potential homebuyers with the information and answers they need to move forward and get on the road to homeownership."

A variety of panel discussions such as "ABC's of Buying a Home," "Let's Talk Credit," "Buying a Fixer-Upper," and "Buying a Co-Op" will be held throughout the day in English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Local mortgage lenders, nonprofit groups, community organizations, and real estate professionals will offer expert advice and informationabout special programs, and lenders will provide free estimates on loan pre-qualification.

"Homeownership is the American dream," said Steve Mills, executive vice president of franchise operations for the New York Knicks.