The city is cooperating with First Commonwealth Mortgage to present a “Homebuyer Seminar” at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at the Devorris Downtown Theater, 1431 12th Ave.

The event will feature “learning, networking and fun as we discuss tips and tricks to make your homebuying process easy and affordable,” states a flyer for the event.

The event is aimed at first-time homebuyers and anyone else who feels uncertain or intimidated by the prospect of trying to buy a house — which is “a huge step” for many, according to Kaitlyn Tomlinson, assistant vice president mortgage loan originator for First Commonwealth.

Where to begin is a fundamental uncertainty for many, according to Tomlinson.

Presenters will talk about agencies that lend money for home purchases, including the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Housing Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture; grant programs like First Front Door; and First Commonwealth programs like First At Home and Home 100.

They will discuss working with a realtor, working with a bank, special loan programs for first-time homebuyers, seeking a mortgage despite iffy credit and regulations that require banks to examine applicants’ recent bank statements and to check out the source of large recent deposits into mortgage applicants’ bank accounts — as a hedge against money laundering, according to Tomlinson.

There will be a discussion of “do’s and don’t’s” — including the don’t of borrowing a significant amount of money while the bank is evaluating an applicant’s creditworthiness.

Buying a home can be especially significant for families whose members have never owned a house — first-generation homebuyers, according to Tomlinson.

Such families can begin to build generational wealth — equity — that is passed down, and that can be used for major purchases, including college educations, she said.

Getting families to the point of buying a house for the first time can provide a powerful boost, she said.

The event will also feature information about a city program under which income-qualified families can get help with home renovations.

Tomlinson approached city Mayor Matt Pacifico about forming a partnership to hold the event.

“I said ‘that’s a great idea,'” Pacifico stated at an interview in his office. “We can put the city’s name behind it.”

“I’m passionate about community development,” Tomlinson said.

Such an event should be held annually, or even every six months, Pacifico said.

Organizers are asking people who plan to attend to register at surveymonkey.com/r/FT5RD6T.

The event will feature a light dinner with sandwiches.

The bank is paying for that, Tomlinson said.

There will be no taxpayer funding used for the event, Pacifico said.

Parents can bring their children, who will be kept occupied, the officials said.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.