The Illinois Association of REALTORS® Advocacy Program has developed two new brochures that IAR member REALTORS® can share with their clients. The brochures were created with one central purpose: to help put prospective homebuyers, mainly first-time homebuyers, on the path to RESPONSIBLE homeownership.

It’s safe to say that some newer homebuyers in the last decade or so may not have been fully aware of or prepared for all the costs, obligations and responsibilities that come with being a homeowner. These two brochures can help educate prospective homebuyers on these points—to help people from “getting in over their heads.”

The first brochure, entitled “Homeownership: Understanding What You Can Afford, Mortgages, and Closing Costs,” discusses all the financial preparation that a homebuyer should do before the actual home purchase. It will help clients figure out just how much they can afford to purchase. The piece also is intended to help homebuyers familiarize themselves with the various components of mortgage shopping, mortgage payments and closing costs.

The second brochure is entitled “Understanding the Costs of Owning a Home” This piece is intended to help new homeowners understand all they should know about the financial responsibilities of owning a home. Helpful information is provided on maintaining a home, property insurance and budgeting.

Being able to provide solid and helpful information like this to a client enhances the REALTOR®’s role as an informed advisor to housing consumers.

IAR members can order pre-printed brochures in quantity from the Advocacy Program page of the IAR website www.illinoisrealtor.org. The brochures are free, just shipping charges apply.