Neighbor to Neighbor, a Larimer County non-profit that helps families achieve homeownership, is co-hosting a first time homebuyer event in Loveland to educate those attempting to navigate through the latest housing trends and access government incentives to achieve the American dream of home ownership.

This timely, and free event will be held Thursday, July 9 from 5 to 8 pm at The Ranch, First National Bank Building — East Hall 5280 Arena Circle at the Larimer County Fair Grounds.

Housing counselors, community resource representatives and leaders, real estate agents, lenders, insurance agents, and home builders will be on hand to share how to take advantage of current low interest rates, the $8,000 federal tax credit and offer advice on finding an affordable home and securing the right mortgage. Refreshments and door prizes will be included. Real estate brokers will receive two hours of continuing education credit.

Homeowners who receive pre-purchase counseling are more than 30 percent less likely to default on their mortgage than homeowners who do not receive counseling and can help improve credit scores by an average of 60 points, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest fees over the course of a 30-year mortgage.