In March, FS hosted Homebuying 101 as part of its quarterly lunch & learn series at Wyler Pavilion. The seminar was led by LaKeesha Carter, manager, accounts payable and loans. Carter welcomed nearly 200 attendees and began by highlighting the benefits of the Employer Assisted Housing Program (EAHP).
In 2003, EAHP was launched to strengthen The University of Chicago connections to surrounding neighborhoods, retain valuable employees, and help staff optimize their work-life balance. Carter explained that both rental and purchase assistance is available to full-time, benefits-eligible employees in communities surrounding the Hyde Park campus. The amount and requirements of EAHP assistance depend on the location of the purchase or rental home.
The Homebuying 101 lunch meeting included representatives from the entire process beginning with searching for a home through closing on a loan. A mortgage officer, realtors, property inspector, and attorney all described their respective roles. They discussed mortgage loan pre-approval requirements, benefits of having a realtor, the difference between “cosmetic” or “concerning” property deficiencies, and addressed frequently asked legal questions.
Homebuying 101 is the second seminar in this EAHP series. Carter hosted the first EAHP seminar at Harper Court this past fall. The next seminar will take place April 12 on campus at Wyler Pavilion, Conference Room L-168, 5837 S. Maryland Avenue. For more information or to register for the upcoming EAHP seminar, contact LaKeesha Carter at lakeesha@uchicago.edu.