A trio of real estate professionals dedicated to educating first-time homebuyers in the home buying process will be offering their next seminar from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 15 at H & R Block in Ventura at 4732-1B Telephone Road (in the Mervyns shopping center).

The aim of the free seminars, says Donne Knudsen, one of the seminar panelists and a veteran licensed Realtor with Pacific Financial Services in Simi Valley, is to essentially "bust the myths and fallacies of first-time home purchasing.

"I may work for a lender, but we're not trying to sell anything," reassures Knudsen of anyone interested in attending the seminar. Rather, together with colleagues Rosemary Cruz of H & R Block and certified negotiator and Realtor Ted Barker, of Coldwell Banker in Westlake, the group is merely reestablishing their roles as sage advisors to first-time, low- to middle-income homebuyers in this "time of reorganization' " within the housing industry, Knudsen says.

Of the many myths the trio debunks in the two-hour presentation, perhaps the most common is the belief of potential homebuyers that they can't afford a home, she says. She argues that, "If people can afford to pay $1,500 for rent, then they can afford $2,000 for a home mortgage."

Besides presenting various loan options, specifically, the federally subsidized HUD (housing and urban development) loan, of which Knudsen is certified to process, the seminars are a way to empower buyers in a question-and-answer format that covers all aspects of the purchasing process. "We'll explain the ways to juggle finances in order to afford a mortgage," she says.

The seminar topics range from what qualifies a buyer to describing the different types of consumer loans and lenders, the tax incentives afforded for purchasers, and the various processing steps. Though HUD loans are tedious loan types to process, they nevertheless come with payoffs. "Very few brokers qualify to process HUD loans," Knudsen says, "because they take a lot of time and you have to become certified through the government (in order to process them)."

However, given the consuming paperwork required in the processing of government-subsidized loans for first-timers, Knudsen finds it personally rewarding work. "I love working with first-time buyers," she says. "They're always grateful."

A buoyant personality and a clearly educated and informed background support Knudsen's palpable confidence. Gleaning personal satisfaction in assisting first-time homebuyers, she accepts the meshing of her job as a loan consultant with her personal life, and takes both seriously as well as sincerely. "I have found my niche," she says, adding with a laugh, "And I work seven days a week."

A 15-year career in human resources helped equip Knudsen, a bright, bubbly woman with burgundy-hued hair, for a second career in real estate. Apparently, her instincts were right. Now, with six years under her belt as a loan consultant, she's having the time of her life. "I love what I do," she says.

"Anyone can potentially qualify for HUD loans," says Knudsen, 44, given they are approved. Likewise, anyone interested in learning more about the first-time buying experience is welcome to attend the seminars.

To register, call 764-0312 or send e-mail to donne4loans@earthlink.net.

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Marie Zapien / Special to The Star

Seminar panelist and veteran licensed Realtor with Pacific Financial Services in Simi Valley, Donne Knudsen is one of three advisors who will attempt to "bust the myths and fallacies" of first-time home purchasing at the Dec. 15 event.