LaredoBuzz.Com

Organizers hope to help homeowners, buyers navigate the process of refinancing, buying a home

Laredo, TX—While it may seem that there are only negative points about the current economic recession, there are a few bright spots that can help consumers who are in the market for big ticket items, such as vehicles, or most especially, homes.  With that in mind, the City of Laredo will be hosting a first-ever Home Expo, to help current homeowners and potential homebuyers understand, navigate and eventually get through the process of buying a home. 

 The City of Laredo will bring together each of the stakeholders in the real estate market and host a Home Expo on Saturday, July 11, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Sunday, July 12, 2009, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., all at the Laredo Entertainment Center, 6700 Arena Boulevard.

 “Interest rates and home prices are low,” said District VII Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.  “That means that for qualified buyers, this is the perfect time to refinance a mortgage or to buy a new home.”

 With hundreds of homes available for sale in Laredo, organizers hope that the Home Expo will encourage citizens who have been thinking about buying a home, or refinancing their current mortgage, will come to get some good advice, have their questions answered, and possibly, even leave on their way to owning a new home. 

 Real estate brokers from throughout Laredo will be on hand, to help Laredoans decide among the various properties up for sale, answering any questions individuals may have about purchasing a home.  Additionally, banks and mortgage companies will also be available, helping walk potential homebuyers through the process to begin buying a home, or reducing their current monthly mortgage payment.  In fact, there is still time to register if there are still any real estate brokers who would still like to participate.  Contact the City Manager’s Office at 791-7309 for more information.

 Additionally, there will be several sessions on both days that will help offer advice, information or answer questions regarding the home buying process.  Various representatives will conduct the sessions, which will cover topics such as refinancing, down payment assistance, credit counseling or VA loans, in both English and Spanish.  (See attached schedule for break-out sessions.)

Aside from all the home buying information, the City of Laredo will host several booths, including the Laredo Public Library, Parks & Leisure Services, Keep Laredo Beautiful, Solid Waste Services,Utilities, Community Development  and the Laredo Police Department Auto Theft Task Force, who will be handing out anti-theft devices and information.  Other booths will include the Webb County Appraisal District, the U.S. Census, Laredo Main Street and others.

 Since many attending the Home Expo will be families, there will be a free kids’ activity area where parents can leave children, ages 4-12, for games, popcorn, movies and activities, while they make their way through the Expo and information sessions only.  A double security ID system, as well as Laredo Police presence, will help insure the children’s safety.  The Library’s Cyber Mobile will also be parked outside the LEC, for older kids.

 There will be gift certificates from various retailers in Laredo given away as door prizes throughout the day at the various informational sessions and the Expo itself.  Attendees over 21 will be able to sign up for a grand prize give-away of two round-trip tickets to Las Vegas, courtesy of Allegiant Air.

 The Laredo Entertainment Center will also have their concession stands open, offering their ever popular Dollar Menu items, and the Laredo Bucks will also feature a booth, as well. 

 So, just how much will entrance to this amazing Home Expo be?  One non-perishable food item per person is being requested, which will be donated to the South Texas Food Bank.

 “I really hope that Laredoans come out to this Home Expo, so that they can get on their way to owning their own piece of the American Dream,” said Valdez.  According to Valdez, empty houses on the market affect the entire community.  “Less homes on the tax rolls of all taxing entities reduces the amount of property taxes local governing agencies have to work with to provide services to the citizens,” he concluded.