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Citrus County is hosting a free 8-hour educational class for all interested home buyers; the County has received approximately $4 million in funding through the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP).

Funds through this program are used to purchase foreclosed properties, rehabilitate them and sell to low to moderate income households.  Buyers earning at or below $120% AMI may qualify to purchase one of the properties acquired under the NSP program.

Pursuant to the federal requirements, interested buyers must take an 8-hour homebuyer education course sponsored by a HUD approved counseling agency. Buyers will learn in great detail about the home buying process, financial planning and management, credit analysis and preparation for the closing process.  Upon completion of the course, each participant will receive a certificate certifying completion of the mandatory course.

The required 8-hour homebuyer education course is scheduled on February 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Citrus County Resource Center located at 2804 West Marc Knighton Court, Lecanto, Florida 34461-8334.  This course is free of charge.

Participants completing the course may be eligible to receive up to $70,000 in financial assistance through the NSP program to purchase an NSP property based on income level.

Properties currently available for sale are as follows:

Property Address                                                             Purchase Price

5145 E Triss Street, Inverness:                                                    $89,500

2265 W Winter Place, Citrus Springs:                                        $90,000

82 W Seymeria Drive, Beverly Hills:                                          $70,000

98 SJ Kellner, Beverly Hills;                                                           $70,000

3736 Honeylocust Drive, Beverly Hills:                     $70,000

28 S Fillmore, Beverly Hills:                                                           $60,000

In order to be eligible to purchase one of the above properties through the NSP program, buyers must take the appropriate 8-hour homebuyer education course.  For more details about the course or the NSP program, please contact Citrus County at 352-527-7520 or visit the website at www.bocc.citrus.fl.us.