Citizens Financial Bank Hosts 2nd Annual Homebuyers Seminar in East Chicago

EAST CHICAGO, IN – April 12, 2010 - Citizens Financial Bank conducted its 2 nd Annual 1st Time Homebuyers Seminar at the East Chicago Banking Center, located at 4740 Indianapolis Blvd. This year’s seminar, called " Home Buying and the Mortgage Process” was held on Tuesday, March 30 th between 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Speakers at the seminar included Yolanda Argandona, Loan Specialist Citizens Financial Bank; Alicia Velazquez, American Home Realty; and Donna Demkovich, State Farm Insurance Agent.

Topics of the seminar included:

• Shopping for a Home
• Fiduciary Responsibilities of the Real Estate Agent
• Finding & Benefits of working w/a Real Estate Agent
• Sales Contract
• Importance of Homeowners Insurance
• Homeowners Policy
• Coverages & Discounts

Veronica Avila, Manager of the East Chicago Banking Center said, “This is the second annual installment of our on-going seminars to teach all of the elements that a home buyer must deal with. For the families living in and around East Chicago, their home is the single largest investment they will ever make.” Veronica concludes, “Buying a home can be very exciting and being well prepared will help our clients make the best decisions. That is why it is important to understand everyone involved with the home buying processes which may include Loan Officer/specialist, Real Estate Agent, Insurance Agent, Home Inspector and Attorney.  In doing so, the process should be less stressful and overwhelming.”

Dana Talaga, Vice President Marketing said, “We are very pleased to conduct and provide our East Chicago Banking Center as the host of these important seminars. Understanding how to prepare for and go about the purchase of a home is a daunting prospect for the first-time buyer. The Home Buying and Mortgage Process seminar represents another of our continual efforts to help members of our community better manage their financial lives. She continues “Citizens has been a member of the East Chicago community since 1983 and this seminar continues our commitment to the community to be their trusted financial advisor.”

Citizens Financial Bank, a $1.1 billion dollar independent bank, serves the financial needs of individuals, families and businesses through its network of 23 Banking Centers located throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Citizens Financial Bank was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Munster, Indiana. www.mybankcitizens.com