NSB Donates $2,500 to hoMEworks and Maine Homebuyer Education

PORTLAND—The process of buying a home is never easy, and first-time buyers face a particularly complicated journey that can lead to avoidable mistakes and unnecessary stress.

For over 25 years, hoMEworks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer homebuyer education in Maine, has been committed to making the road to homeownership a bit smoother for thousands of individuals and families.

“hoMEworks has provided numerous borrowers with the skills and knowledge to go into their first home prepared and educated,” said Maggie Silva, Outreach and Education Coordinator for MaineHousing who serves on the hoMEworks Board of Directors. “Our trained educators have been praised for their ability to create a pressure-free environment while cultivating a safe place to learn, grow, and most importantly, ask questions!”

The eight-hour class features segments on understanding credit, managing finances, associated costs with purchase and ownership, shopping for a home, finding the right real estate agent and lender, mortgage options, special programs for first-time buyers, managing finances after the purchase and more. 

In recognition of the importance of programs that provide education on these topics, Norway Savings Bank has committed $2,500 to serve as a Gold Sponsor of the program.

“hoMEworks creates more confident home buyers who, in turn, can make better, informed decisions throughout the process. Participants receive the tools and guidance to select and secure a home that meets their individual and familial needs and matches their financial resources,” said Darci Hamm, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of NSB as well as a member of the hoMEworks Board of Directors.

The classes are open to anyone interested in learning, not just first-time buyers.

Those who complete the class also receive a certificate that satisfies the education requirement for many mortgage programs.

“The program provides education and assistance, of course, but also hope to those questioning their readiness for home ownership,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of NSB. “hoMEworks has made a real difference since 1998, and we’re proud to support its efforts and continuing impact.”  

To learn more about hoMEworks, visit www.mainehomeworks.org. To view a schedule of local and online classes, head to www.mainehomeworks.org/classes. You can also call 207-626-4646.