(Courtesy of Bergen County Community Development Division) On Wednesday, October 17, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, the board of chosen freeholders and the Bergen County Division of Community Development hosted its first-ever weeknight Homebuyer Expo at Two Bergen Plaza in Hackensack.

Hundreds of Bergen County residents attended the event, which featured experienced professionals who specialize in the many areas that are a part of the home-buying process. These included realtors, bankers, mortgage companies, credit counselors, home inspectors and other experts who were ready to answer questions ranging from how to work with realtors to how to obtain a mortgage. Hands-on, live workshops (Keys to a Successful Homeownership and Credit 101) that deal with the various stages of buying a home were also available for attendees.

In addition, representatives from the Bergen County Division of Community Development Homeownership Center were on hand to discuss government programs that can provide financing assistance with new home down payments and mortgages for those eligible as well as interest-free, deferred-payment home-improvement loans for homeowner occupants who qualify.

The event was presented by the Bergen County Division of Community Development in conjunction with bank sponsorship partners NVE Bank, TD Bank, Bogota Savings Bank, Lakeland Bank, Atlantic Stewardship Bank, Oritani Bank Charitable Foundation, Spencer Savings Bank and Residential Home Funding Corporation. Community support was provided through the Fair Housing Council of Northern New Jersey and Greater Bergen County Community Action.

For further information on first-time home buying, please contact Jacqui Atkins, director of the Bergen County American Dream First-Time Homebuyer Program at 201-336-7206 or [email protected].