Columbus Homebuyer Resource Fair Empowers Residents with Tools for Affordable Homeownership
Columbus, Ohio – In the face of rising home prices, many aspiring homeowners in Columbus, Ohio, feel like their dream of owning a home is slipping away. But a recent Homebuyer Resource Fair aimed to change that narrative.
Organized in collaboration with Fifth Third Bank, the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), and COCIC-Franklin County Land Bank, the event served as a community-focused initiative to equip residents with essential tools for navigating the path to homeownership.
Attendees were invited to sit down with financial advisors, explore personalized planning options, and gather valuable information to begin their homebuying journey. A standout feature of the fair was the Fifth Third eBus—a mobile financial empowerment center offering on-the-spot financial education, access to social services, and banking tools.
“It’s all about finding a reliable advisor—whether it’s your bank or another expert—who can guide you through setting realistic homeownership goals,” explained Mary Propes, Financial Wellness Manager at Fifth Third Bank.
Propes emphasized that even those not quite ready to buy can benefit by setting long-term goals for the next one to five years. Contrary to common belief, a massive savings account isn’t always necessary—but strategic planning is.
One attendee, Justina Brown, shared how the event helped her begin the homebuying process with clarity.
“Understanding credit and where to access resources is crucial. This event showed me we have help—I just need to use it,” she said.
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency also unveiled its 2025 First-Time Homebuyer Guide, outlining essential steps such as consulting a lender, budgeting realistically, hiring a real estate agent, and preparing for hidden costs like inspections and insurance.
Propes offered a final tip:
“Just because you’re approved for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should spend it all. Consider your full financial picture—including everyday expenses.”
Residents can continue accessing Fifth Third Bank’s mobile eBus services at upcoming stops this week:
- June 25: Lower Lights Health Center (10 AM – 4 PM)
- June 26: Student Success Block Party @ Clarence Lumpkin Point of Pride (4 PM – 7 PM)
- June 27: IMPACT Community Action (9 AM – 4 PM)
For many in Franklin County, events like this mark a new chapter in their journey toward affordable homeownership.
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