A home is among the biggest purchases anyone will ever make, but it’s also the one most know little about.

The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) is taking the uncertainty out of buying a house. The agency is hosting First-Time Homebuyer Seminars in St. Peters, Troy and Warrenton. The seminars, all of which are on Saturdays, are free and open to the public.

“NECAC has a number of programs and services to help those who are looking at buying a house,” said NECAC Homeownership Programs Director Marsha Signoracci. “We’ll help take the stress out of the process and give people information they can use to make sure they’re making the best decisions.”

Signoracci said that in Warren and Lincoln counties, NECAC can help with no down payment and very low interest rates for home purchases. In St. Charles County, the agency can offer a grant to assist with closing costs and the down payment up to $10,000. 

NECAC offers homeownership classes that teach participants about mortgages, understanding credit, getting a loan, taxes, record-keeping and other topics. Programs available include down payment assistance and the USDA Rural Development 502 and 504 loan programs. NECAC can also convert rent assistance into home ownership vouchers.

The seminars all take place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The St. Peters event is Feb. 1 in the Community Commons Room at the St. Charles City-County Library at 77 Boone Hills Drive. The Troy meeting is Feb. 8 at the NECAC Lincoln County Service Center, 11 Woodcrest Drive. The Warrenton seminar will be Feb. 15 in Meeting Room A of the Warrenton Library, 912 S. Highway 47.

To register, or to get more information, call Signoracci at 573-324-6622.