As the number of foreclosures rise and home prices drop, first-time buyers can use down-payment grants, low interest rates, and loan programs allowing FICO scores as low as 480 to purchase a Claremont home.

According to the Inland Multi-Regional Multiple Listing Service, 150 homes were available in Claremont on Nov. 11, including 98 single-family homes with no association fees and 52 condominiums, townhomes and single-family homes with monthly association fees. Twenty homes were reported in escrow.

Complete information on available homes, down-payment grants and loan programs can be obtained by calling Ila Josephs at (909) 261-3541. First-time home buyers especially can benefit from new government and private agencies ready to help them purchase an affordable home.

Current renters can enroll in a FREE seminar, "How You Can Attain Your Dream of Owning Your Own Home." This seminar is offered in cooperation with James Jackson, a Realtor since 1959, and Cornelius Brown, a senior loan consultant with Mission Hills Mortgage Bankers. Topics are:

Misconceptions about home buying

Deciding on your down payment

Loan pre-qualification

Credit scoring (Myths and facts about credit)

Improving your credit score

Your home loan process

Selecting a real estate professional

Tying down your dream

Explaining closing costs

The seminar is a free service to the community. Call Ila at (909) 261-3541 to register. You'll be glad you did.