Lawton Families Learn About Homeownership

It was not a typical Saturday in Lawton when more than fifty turned out for the Homebuyers Seminar at the Great Plains Technology Center. It might have been more fun to go fishing but not nearly as educational, especially if you were set on finding out how to become a homeowner.

The Lawton/Fort Sill Homebuyers Seminar was one of many events that took place across Oklahoma to celebrate June as National Homeownership Month. Each family that attended the Seminar received a free credit report. They also had the opportunity to participate in detailed question and answer sessions with experts in all aspects of the home finding and purchasing process.

The kids were not forgotten while their parents learned the "ins and outs" of homeownership. A magic show and other fun and educational activities were provided for children while their parents attended the Seminar.

The Seminar built on previous efforts of the City of Lawton, the Lawton Housing Authority, and many non-profit and for-profit organizations. "This year we wanted to have an event that directly helped train families to become successful first-time homeowners," said Ed Alexander, the City’s Federal Housing Programs Coordinator.

Lawton City Councilmember, Randy Warren, and Comanche County Commissioner, Susan Ulrich, presented National Homeownership Month Proclamations to Bill Tolbert of the HUD Oklahoma City Field Office.

The successful turnout was also due in part to outreach efforts of several faith-based organizations in the weeks leading up to the Seminar. One church, Bethel Baptist, has even established an ongoing faith-based homeowner club to provide mentoring services before, during, and after the home buying experience.

Learn more about homeownership opportunities.