As home prices continue to climb and the dream of owning a house feels increasingly distant for many Americans, a special event in Columbus aimed to help residents bridge the gap between aspiration and action. The Homebuyer Resource Fair, a collaborative effort between Fifth Third Bank, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), and COCIC-Franklin County Land Bank, offered attendees a comprehensive introduction to the homebuying process, financial literacy, and the tools needed to take control of their housing future.
The event brought together a range of experts and resources, including financial planners who sat down with individuals to assess where they currently stand and what steps they need to take to become ready to buy. Fifth Third Bank also deployed its Financial Empowerment Mobile, known as the eBus, which provided attendees with on-site access to financial tools, credit evaluations, and social services designed to educate and empower aspiring homeowners.
Mary Propes, a financial wellness manager with Fifth Third, emphasized the importance of having a reliable advisor to walk people through the complex process of homeownership. She explained that for many attendees, the fair wasn’t about immediate purchase but about understanding what realistic goals might look like over the next one to five years. “They need to set goals, and they need a trusted advisor to guide them toward those goals. It might not be about buying today, but about preparing for tomorrow,” she said.
One of the key takeaways from the fair was that many people overestimate the amount of money they need saved to begin the homebuying journey. While savings are certainly essential, Propes pointed out that the broader issue often lies in people not knowing where to begin, rather than in the absence of funds alone. She also advised future buyers to be mindful when lenders offer them high preapproval amounts, stressing the importance of budgeting for daily life alongside mortgage payments. “Just because you’re approved for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should borrow all of it,” she said. “You have to account for things like cell phone bills, subscriptions, groceries, and other daily expenses.”
Among those who attended was Justina Brown, a local resident who recently began exploring homeownership for the first time. While buying a house hadn’t always been a goal of hers, watching friends secure their own properties inspired her to take that dream seriously. For her, the event was an eye-opener, filled with opportunities to gain insights into credit, financing, and the resources she never knew existed. “You have to understand the ins and outs. A lot of us don't. But here, you see all the resources are in one place—you just have to take advantage of them,” she shared.
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency recently released its 2025 Homebuyer Guide, which was also featured during the fair. This guide outlines essential steps for anyone thinking about purchasing a home. It recommends beginning with a consultation with a lender or financial advisor to determine personal readiness and affordability. Next, it encourages prospective buyers to engage a licensed real estate agent who can assist in locating suitable properties and navigating the negotiation process. The final stages include making a formal offer and preparing for additional responsibilities such as securing homeowner's insurance, paying for home inspections, and managing utility setup and maintenance costs.
Attendees learned that being financially ready means more than having enough money for a down payment. It involves understanding credit scores, loan types, property taxes, and the value of long-term planning. One session stressed the benefits of setting incremental goals rather than rushing into homeownership unprepared, especially in a market where housing prices are rapidly increasing.
The event also reinforced that homeownership is possible for more people than they might think, especially with the support of targeted programs and financial education. Organizers encouraged attendees to continue seeking out local resources and to not be discouraged if the path to homeownership seems long. Events like the Homebuyer Resource Fair are designed to shorten that path by connecting people with the knowledge and support they need to make smart, sustainable decisions.
Overall, the fair served not just as a resource hub but as a confidence booster for first-time buyers. It reminded them that with guidance, education, and persistence, the dream of owning a home in Ohio is still within reach—even in an unpredictable market.
