CONTACT: Lisa Lynn Hansen
                                                                                                       410-637-3750

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2005
                           

HOUSING FAIR EXPLORES NEIGHBORHOODS
ON BALTIMORE'S EAST SIDE

Prospective Buyers Tour Neighborhoods and Get Expert Advice
On Home Buying; $3,000 Grants Available

BALTIMORE, MD - In order to encourage prospective home buyers to buy in Baltimore City, the Live Baltimore Home Center and the City of Baltimore are hosting their seventh annual Buying Into Baltimore Home-Buying Fairs and Neighborhood Tours. Since 1999, these unique events have helped sell hundreds of city homes and distributed more than $1.8 million in city incentives to home buyers.

The fair will take place at Baltimore City College, 3220 The Alameda at 33rd Street. Participants will take part in guided tours of eastern region neighborhoods, view listings and open houses for sale, and get advice from more than 30 exhibitors, including local real estate agents, mortgage lenders and community-based, non-profit organizations.

"Many of Baltimore's 225 neighborhoods offer very reasonably priced houses and this event is a must for homebuyers seeking one of the best values in the region," said Baltimore City Housing Commissioner Paul T. Graziano.

The first 50 participants who close on a house within 90 days of the eastern region fair will be eligible to receive a $3,000 award from Baltimore City, Department of Housing valid toward down payment and closing costs. Admission to the event is FREE and pre-registration is encouraged at www.LiveBaltimore.com/hb/bib.

"The momentum and appreciation of housing continues in Baltimore showing that affordability is still very strong compared to the Washington DC area, where the average home price is 70% higher than in Baltimore City" according to Tracy Gosson, executive director of Live Baltimore Home Center.

The Live Baltimore Home Center is a nationally recognized, independent non-profit organization committed to promoting the benefits of Baltimore City living. Each year, Live Baltimore provides thousands of individuals with information on more than 225 city neighborhoods, financial incentive programs, historic tax credits and special events. For more information, call Live Baltimore at 410-637-3750 or visit www.LiveBaltimore.com.