BRADENTON -- Catholic Charities of Manatee County will offer a free First-Time Homebuyer Class 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday at 1219 16th St. W., Bradenton.

Four topics to be covered are:

n steps to successful home ownership, which includes funds available to first-time homebuyers as well as fair housing rights;

n winning credit history/shopping for a loan, which includes items required to make a loan contract, budget and money management, and the loan and application process;

n shopping for a home/choosing a Realtor, which includes what to know when looking for a home and agent, understanding a sales contract, and negotiation and home inspection;

n and home ownership, which includes what it means to be a homeowner, how to care for your home and maintain it, security issues and avoiding foreclosure.

Participants will be eligible for assistance from the bond program of the Housing Finance Authority of Manatee County.

For information and to register, call Catholic Charities of Manatee County at (941) 714-7829.

Fire commissioner position open

MANATEE -- West Manatee Fire & Rescue District is accepting applications to fill a fire commissioner vacancy.

Deadline for applications is June 17. For an application, call 761-1555.

-- Herald staff report