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  Are you tired of renting? Do you wonder what it would take to convert your rent payment into a mortgage payment on your own home? The revitalization program in the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood includes an effort that reaches out to renters to help them realize the goal of home ownership.

  "Successful Home Ownership Process (SHOP) 1st " is a home buyer education program tailored to renters, both FPSE residents and those living outside the neighborhood. The program is the result of months of planning and discussion that culminated in the survey that was published in a previous edition of the newsletter.

  Response to the survey identified obstacles to home ownership such as poor credit history, outstanding debt and lack of a down payment. According to Suzanne Goodman, director of the WUMC Community Revitalization Program in Forest Park Southeast, "Many of the responses quoted rent which was equal to and sometimes more than a mortgage on a moderately priced home. With just a little more guidance, these folks could purchase their own homes! We'd like them to stay in the neighborhood."

  SHOP 1st will work with renters and interested homebuyers to provide them with information about all aspects of the home buying process. There will be a moderator and representatives from various organizations who will discuss everything from credit reports to mortgage closing costs.

  Owning a home has been called "the American Dream," but actually buying a home can be intimidating. Whether you know a little or a lot about the process, you're sure to benefit form this hands-on workshop!

  For more information about SHOP 1st call the WUMC Revitalization office at 652-0895 or send an e-mail message.