If you are thinking of buying an Illinois home this spring, then you’ll want to mark your calendar for the State of Illinois Homebuyer Expo being held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 23 at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

During this one-day expo hosted by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), prospective homebuyers can apply for IHDA mortgage programs, including the expanded SmartMove Trio, and meet with lenders and housing counselors who will be on site. You can register for the expo at www.ihda.org.

For a limited time, IHDA’s expanded SmartMove Trio offers qualifying first-time buyers a federal income tax credit worth up to $18,000 for the life of the loan along with an affordable 30-year, fixed rate mortgage and up to $6,000 for down payment and closing cost assistance. Learn more about IHDA’s financing options.

 “A home is the foundation on which we build our families and our communities,” said Governor Quinn, who has proclaimed 2013 the “Year of the Home Ownership.”

“By encouraging home ownership, we can create jobs and grow our economy. We’re working hard to keep the Illinois housing market on the road to recovery by doing everything we can to help Illinois families buy or stay in their homes.”

Click here to read the full news release on the upcoming homebuyer expo.