BANGOR -- MaineStream Finance is offering a free 12-hour certified training course that helps potential home buyers make prudent home purchasing decisions. Classes will be held May 12, 13, 14 and 15, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, at Penquis, 262 Harlow Street, Bangor. Participants must attend all classes.

This course uses a qualified trainer and discusses the roles of various professionals involved in the home buying process, such as attorneys, realtors, lenders, insurance agents and home inspectors. Components of this course are budget and debt management counseling and credit counseling.

There is no cost to participate in the training, but registration is required. Contact MaineStream Finance at 974-2424, 1-800-215-4942 ext. 424 or fperry@penquis.org for more information or to register.

MaineStream Finance is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution and wholly owned subsidiary of Penquis. Its mission is to promote community development through financial education and financing activities for Maine's low and moderate-income residents.