(BOISE) Washington Mutual has contributed $10,000 to the Finally Home!® Homebuyer Education Program administered by the Idaho Partners for Homebuyer Education, Inc. (IPHBE, Inc.). The contribution will assist with educational contract expenses, program administration, textbooks, and other class materials.

Washington Mutual, a contributor to the Homebuyer Education program since 2001, has contributed a total of $65,000 to the program.

"As one of America's leading mortgage lenders, Washington Mutual is committed to finding substantive ways to make homeownership a reality for all people," said Brian Stewart, northwest community development manager for Washington Mutual. "Homeownership is complex, so providing support for homebuyer education is an ongoing priority for our company. We depend on our local community partners such as Idaho Partners for Homebuyer Education to help us understand where our help is needed most."

The Homebuyer Education program is provided by IPHBE, Inc., a nonprofit organization that has joined with local partners in Idaho to offer Finally Home!® classes every month statewide. Class content covers issues including credit and budgeting, qualifying for a mortgage, choosing a real estate professional, and making an offer and closing on a home.

"Washington Mutual has been a valued partner since our inception," said Sue Pisani, Finally Home Administrator. "It is through the support of organizations like Washington Mutual that our program is able to fully serve the citizens of Idaho."

More than 17,700 Idahoans have graduated from the Finally Home!® program since its inception in 1999.

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The Idaho Housing and Finance Association, a financial services and housing business organization, provides funding for affordable housing in communities where it is most needed and when economically feasible.