By Ann Cantrell
Staff Writer 

    First time home owners will have the chance to learn about what is needed to buy a home at the Madison Home Ownership Seminar.   
    The Home Ownership commission decided to host the seminar in order to help people become homeowners. 
    “We think that there are a big group of people who are renting and could own a home,” said Felton Jenkins, a member of the Home Ownership commission. 
    The first seminar, this Saturday at the Morgan County High School cafeteria, is part of three part series on home ownership. 
    The first meeting will cover budgeting for a home, credit scores, and how the two are related.  Jenkins described the first meeting as really an introduction into home ownership that will attempt to answer questions such as, “Who qualifies for home ownership?” and “How much of a down payment is needed for a home?” 
    Jeff McCloud, who handles rural housing for the USDA, will be one of the featured speakers. 
    There will also be two speakers handling the topic of budgeting.  The seminar will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. but there will also be credit counseling as well from 12 to 1 p.m.  “It will show things you need to be aware of and let people know what they have to worry about,” said Bryce Jaeck.   
    There will also be representatives from several government programs that provide funding for different kinds of mortgages, said Jenkins. 
    Jaeck said that they have spent a lot of time advertising this event because the committee believes it is very important for people to know all the aspects that go into buying and paying for a home.  Flyers for the seminar were put given to high school seniors who after graduation may be going into the workforce and looking to buy a house. 
    “It’s a good chance for them to learn about things they will be expected to do as adults,” said Jaeck.  There will also be two following seminars on March 2 and 15.  The second seminar will address the topic looking for a home and the best location. 
    Jaeck said it will also cover some of the funding options for financing a home.  The last seminar will cover what to do when an individual actually buys a home. Jenkins said that it will address how to negotiate for a home and how to maintain a proper budget once a house is actually acquired.    The seminar this Saturday will have some light refreshments and people are encouraged to attend even if they cannot stay for the entire event.  The first seminar will also be digitally recorded and available for people who are unable to attend.