Northern Virginia Housing Expo In Manassas Offers Resources For Homebuyers, Renters

MANASSAS, VA — With affordable housing being a regional concern in Northern Virginia, the localities will team up to offer resources at an expo in Manassas.

The 14th annual Northern Virginia Housing Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 23 at Charles Colgan High School, 13833 Dumfries Road in Manassas. The free expo is geared toward renters and homebuyers looking for an affordable home in Northern Virginia.

"This type of event brings together many housing industry experts in one location to provide and answer questions citizens may have about housing," said Joan Duckett, Prince William County's director of housing and community development. "This event is held on a Saturday to allow people the opportunity to attend individual workshops based on many housing topics, all of which are important."

The event will draw participation from Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties; cities of Alexandria, Falls Church and Manassas Park; Virginia Housing; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's District of Columbia/National Capital Area Office; Northern Virginia Association of Realtors; and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Attendees will be able to participate in workshops, an exhibit hall and one-on-one financial coaching sessions. Workshops include The ABCs of Credit Scores, Household Budgeting in Expensive Times, Getting Ready to Rent or Buy, First-Time Buyer and Rental Assistance Programs, Housing Discrimination – Understanding Fair Housing Laws, Senior Housing Topics, Neighborhood Housing Rehabilitation Program and Reverse Mortgages.

There will also be exhibitors for apartment rentals, government assistance programs, mortgage information and assistance, home-buying opportunities, and lenders. Lenders will have information on loan programs and how to qualify.

The one-on-one coaching sessions will help attendees find which housing choices are the best fit. Attendees may schedule the sessions ahead of time, and Spanish-speaking counselors can be requested.

For more information, visit novahousingexpo.org.