POSTED: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 --- 9:00 p.m.

Many first-time home buyers in the area are turning to the Dane County Housing Authority for help.

Many are taking part in the Home Buyers Education and Counseling Class in Monona.

Here they learn how to avoid falling victim to predatory lending or one of the many other pit falls that have plagued home buyers recently.

People who participate in the six-hour course get a certificate of completion, which grants them access to financial aid programs.

Kate Nardi teaches the course and she says, " One of which is a modest loan fund through the Dane County Housing Authority for $10,000 toward down payment or closing costs to income eligible families."

The classes are free and they're held 16 times throughout the year.

The next course begins a week from tonight.

Some of the focus areas for the course are insurance, home inspections, lending and real estate.

If you want more information you can contact the Dane County Housing Authority at www.dcha.net.