Coastal Enterprises, Inc., a nonprofit community development organization, with the support of Maine State Housing Authority, will offer a first-time home buyer seminar in Brunswick and Gardiner. A four-evening-long home ownership education course will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 10, 12, 17 and 19, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Gardiner High School in Gardiner. A two-day course on Saturdays Sept. 29 and October 6, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. will meet at Brunswick Housing Authority Woodlawn Towers, Brunswick.

The purpose of home ownership education courses is to help people prepare for and be well-informed about the process of buying a home. Purchasing a home is the largest financial transaction most people ever make. A well-informed consumer is in the best position to plan successfully and to make good decisions. Seminar topics include: evaluating your credit and what price home you can afford; budgeting and money management; selecting and working with real estate agents, home inspections, types of available mortgages, including Maine Housing, Veteran Affairs and Rural Development; and the closing process and post-closing considerations. Participants must complete all four sessions and will receive a certificate of completion.