HomeOwnership Center Luncheon a Success!

On Thursday, May 17th, the TRIP NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center hosted its 9th annual HomeOwnership Center Luncheon. This year's theme was "Homebuying-- Now's the Time, Join the Team." Attendees included supporters of the HomeOwnership Center, local realtors, and elected officials.

Welcoming guests was the Honorable Steve McLaughlin of the 108th NYS Assembly District. Doug Dylla , a national homeownership consultant, provided information about national trends, including a pent-up demand for home purchases particularly among first-time homebuyers, the demographics of future homeownership markets, the challenges facing today's buyers, and how strong partnerships between lenders, realtors, government, and not-for-profits such as TRIP's HomeOwnership Center can best help homebuyers reach their goals.

TRIP Board President Joseph Fleming and Doug Dylla
at the 2012 TRIP HomeOwnership Center Luncheon

Paul Semanek, past president of the Greater Capital Association of Realtors, spoke about local trends and the current state of homebuying in Rensselaer County. He also endorsed pre-purchase education such as that offered at TRIP's HOC to create prepared, informed, and ready buyers.

TRIP Executive Director, Patrick Madden, and Bobbi Carter, Director of TRIP's HomeOwnership Center, provided data about the outcomes of our work and the subsequent local economic impact. The 2012 donors of our HomeOwnership were thanked and new partners were warmly greeted. Thank you to everyone who atteneded; we look forward to seeing you again next year!