If you're ready to buy a home but feel you need to know more about the details involved in the home buying process, then a seminar hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Thursday may help answer some of your questions.

Scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the chamber office, the seminar will include presentations by area realtors, accountants and lenders with a question and answer session to follow.

Brenda Grubbs of Realty World: Graham, Grubbs and Associates is coordinating the event.

"We are holding this seminar to educate first time buyers and others about a variety of issues related to home buying, including financing, the first time home buyer's tax credit, the home buying process, and more," Grubbs said.

Brent Plyler from First Capital Bank, accountant Karen Roche, and realtors Melinda Pate, Jane Sommerville, and Gail Bullard will join Grubbs to answer questions.

Grubbs said the event is not only for those considering the purchase of a home, but for current homeowners as well.

"Anyone who wants to better understand the process of buying a home is welcome," she said. "We will explain the federal tax credit program for present owners and for first time buyers, and tell what needs to be done prior to the expiration of the tax credit on April 30."

First time home buyers can receive a tax credit of up to $8000, while repeat buyers can receive up to $6500, according to Diane Johnston of Realty World.

“This program was originally for first time buyers only, but Congress extended it to five year homeowners as well,” Johnston said. “People may not realize how many areas of the economy can be stimulated by the purchase of a home; there is furniture to buy, and paint, and many other things besides buying the house itself.”

Those who have purchased homes will be eligible to receive a gift; a drawing will be held July 1 to determine a winner.

Preregistration is encouraged but not mandatory, according to Grubbs.

“We prefer that you preregister, but we won’t turn anyone away,” she said. “The seminar is open to anyone, registered or not.”

Call 276-1021 for information or to sign up to attend.

The Chamber of Commerce is located at 606 S. Atkinson Street in Laurinburg.

The seminar is sponsored by Realty World, First Capital Bank, and Karen S. Roche CPA, PLLC.