Answers by Al Waddell

Hi Maggie; A great place to start is www.MyOhioHome.org. This is the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. They specialize in helping buyer get started in the home buying process. Many lenders have special programs for First-time Home Buyers as well. For example Huntington Bank (the largest Mortgage Lender in Central Ohio) has a program called Home For Good: Here is info from their flyer: Home for Good Mortgage We’re here to help with a mortgage that turns a good chance into a great possibility. Welcome home to a home for good. • Down payment options as low as 3% • Down payment assistance grant of $5,000 can be used toward minimum down payment requirements. Repayment is not required‡ • Minimum of $500 owner contribution† • Minimum FICO® score of 580†† • No mortgage insurance requirement • Up to 50% in debt-to-income (DTI) ratio accepted • Available for purchases by fi rst-time home buyers, or refi nancings, of primary residence in certain locations • Can be combined with gift funds and other You may want to reach out to them to see what is available in your area. BTW: I lived in Cedarville when I was in college there. I had a pert-time job in Springfield at the mall... Good Luck!! Al

Hi David; YES, these are agents are correct, however the agreement can be just for 1 day or even 1 property. Another great option for you is to visit open houses in your target area. You are likely to meet agent that know the area which would help you to decide who you might want to work with. More info on this new and very important topic can be found at FACTS. REALTOR. they have a number of great FREE resources including: CONSUMER GUIDE: WHY AM I BEING ASKED TO SIGN A WRITTEN BUYER AGREEMENT?; TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK A SELLER’S AGENT; CONSUMER GUIDE: NEGOTIATING WRITTEN BUYER AGREEMENTS and many more! Information is POWER!!

Hi, James; These other agents are generally correct about a minimum credit score of 580.. However, you can greatly enhance your chances by getting connected with a local nonprofit that offers home buyer education - Certified by HUD. An organization based in Columbus called www.HomeportOhio.org Offers free programming. You can also check. the website for the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. at www.myOhiohome.org. They list a number of agencies throughout the state. that offer free certified home buyer education classes. They also access. offer access to lenders. that are eager to work With first time home buyers. The Al Wadel team here in Columbus. has closed over 51st time home buyers. that have been through a home buyer education class. It really pays to get connected to this resource. Good luck.