Homeownership education initiative designed for students at colleges and universities
Richmond, VA – September 16, 2008 – (RealEstateRama) — In an effort to increase homeownership opportunities, the Virginia Housing Development Authority is once again partnering with Virginia’s colleges and universities to educate young Virginians about the responsibilities of homeownership.
VHDA’s “Wealth Starts at Home” college tour is the center of an outreach and education program encouraging college students to begin building a financial plan for their lives. Unfortunately, some students develop poor credit-building practices while at school. VHDA’s college tour is designed to educate students about wise financial choices so that their ability to purchase a home later in life is not hindered.
To date, more than 3,000 students have attended the seminars and a number of them have subsequently become first-time home buyers. Now in its third year, VHDA’s college tour has expanded to include even more colleges throughout the state.
“Research proves that owning a home is one of the best ways to become financially secure,” said Susan Dewey, VHDA’s Executive Director. “That’s because homeownership can deliver significant benefits such as tax deductions, appreciation, and home equity. In addition to homeownership, other keys to financial security discussed at the sessions include financial literacy, investing, and understanding the basics of money management.”
VHDA’s “Wealth Starts @ Home” college tour begins this fall. Schools slated for visits include Saint Paul’s College, Eastern Shore Community College, Virginia Tech, Radford University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, Tidewater Community College and Hampton University.
The tour’s free campus lecture series, educational seminars and targeted outreach events will give students the opportunity to learn about:
• the importance of financial responsibility
• ways to use credit wisely
• how to create a personal strategy to build financial security through homeownership
• a variety of mortgage loans available with affordable financing terms.
For more information about the “Wealth Starts @ Home” College Tour, visit VHDA’s website at www.VHDA.com/collegetour or contact Monica Jefferson at (804) 343-5736. The college tour dates are subject to change.
