Prince George's County Kicks Off Its 2015 Housing Fair

Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will host the 2015 Housing Fair, entitled: “Prince George’s County: A Great Place to Live!” on Saturday, June 13, according to a Price George’s County government announcement.

Housing Fair attendees will have an opportunity to meet with housing industry professionals, such as mortgage lenders, realtors, rental property managers, housing counselors, banks, non-profit organizations and various government agencies.

The Fair will also include workshops on financial literacy, avoiding housing scams, first-time home buyer programs, managing your money and more. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development will facilitate an opportunity for major mortgage bank servicers to discuss options with homebuyers trying to avoid foreclosure.

The Housing Fair will start with a panel discussion entitled, “Ask the Experts.” The discussion will begin at 9:30 a.m. and last for 90 minutes. The topics will include: Understanding the Value of Your Home and Knowing Your Options if Your House is “Underwater.” Three long-time housing experts will be guest panelists: Desiree Callender, President of the Prince George’s County Association of Realtors; Shannon Porter, Assistant Supervisor of the Prince George’s County Office of Assessment; and Lisa McDougal, Certified HUD Housing Counselor and Executive Director of SEED – Sowing Empowerment for Economic Development. Homeowners are encouraged to attend this discussion and receive free expert advice on the value of their home and what options are available if their house is underwater or if the home owner is facing foreclosure.

At 11:00 a.m. a free shuttle bus will take housing fair attendees on a tour of the County’s first Net Zero Energy Home. The Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County remodeled this one-of-a-kind, 100 year-old home, designed to provide superior energy savings, water efficiency and a healthy living environment. The home produces as much energy as it consumes, minimizing the utility bill to virtually zero. The house meets Energy Star and LEED Platinum Standards. During the tour, visitors will see why this home has been selected as a 2015 Green Build Offsite Educational Tour Site by Green Build International Conference and Expo.

For more information on the 2014 Housing Fair visit the Prince George’s County website: http://hcd.mypgc.us