Neighbor News
Unlock the Keys to Affordable Homeownership: Free Seminar on Saturday
Learn how up to buy a home for just $1,000 to $5,000 AND how $40K of your student loans can be relieved thru homeownership!

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a home but felt overwhelmed by the process or thought it was financially out of reach, mark your calendar! The Holup-Niewinski Group of HomeSmart Realty is hosting a Free Home Buyers Seminar in Palos Heights on Saturday, January 18. This event is designed to make homeownership not just a possibility, but a reality.
Transforming Lives: Molly & Mike’s Story
Molly and Mike, like many, assumed homeownership was years away. With over $40,000 in student loans and limited savings, they thought they’d never afford a home. But with the right guidance, they turned their dream into a reality:
- Normal Minimum Cost to Buy a $350,000 home: $21,000 upfront
- Molly & Mike’s Costs: $5,500 upfront, thanks to $5,000 in down payment assistance and seller-paid closing costs. Plus, their $40,000 student loan debt was wiped clean through the same program!
“It’s almost as if my clients’ are being paid to buy the home! Not only are the sellers’ paying the entirety of their closing costs ($10,500) but Illinois down payment assistance programs are giving them $5,000 toward their down payment AND $40,000 to pay off Molly’s student loans. I don’t know when there’s been a better time to buy a home - it seems like a no-brainer,” shared Amber Holup, Realtor at The Holup-Niewinski Group of HomeSmart Realty.
Whether you have student loans or not, there are great down payment assistance programs available in IL that you should know about if you’re thinking about buying a home.
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What You’ll Learn at the Seminar
This seminar is tailored to make the homebuying process stress-free by helping attendees know what to expect every step of the way. Highlights include:
- Down Payment Assistance Programs: Discover options that can reduce your upfront costs to as little as $1,000-$5,000, with some programs even paying off up to $40,000 in student loans.
- Guided Homeownership Plan: Leave with a roadmap to make your dream of homeownership a reality.
- Debunking Myths: Learn how school experience can count toward job history AND why you don’t need as much money as you think to buy a home.
- One-on-One Guidance: Meet real estate professionals who are passionate about serving you—not just their bottom line.
Why This Seminar is for You
This event is perfect for any of the following:
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- Professionals with student loans
- Renters tired of throwing money away each month
- First-time buyers
- Families looking to upsize or move into their forever home
- Those who haven’t purchased in recent years and want to understand today’s market
Meet Your Guides
The seminar will be presented by a team of trusted professionals:
- Amber Holup & Eric Niewinski, The Holup-Niewinski Group, HomeSmart Realty: Learn the ten step home buying process and how to buy a home for as little money as possible, potentially saving you thousands of dollars
- Megan Wendtland, Fairway Mortgage: Learn about programs that reduce upfront costs and pay off student loans.
- Bryan Wallock, Marneris Law P.C.: Find out what to negotiate in contracts and how to maximize savings during inspections.
- Jesse Klaue, Higher Standard Home Inspection: Get the inside scoop on what inspectors look for and how to avoid surprises.
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Reserve Your Spot Today
Seats are limited—only a few spots remain! Don’t wait to secure your place at this life-changing event.
- Register via Eventbrite, call, or text at 708.870.6835.
- Lunch will be served
A Personal Invitation
Amber Holup and Eric Niewinski, who became homeowners in their 20s, know firsthand that homeownership is possible—even when it seems out of reach. “We love showing people that with the right plan and resources, they can achieve what they thought was impossible.”
Amber Holup & Eric Niewinski are Illinois Licensed Real Estate Brokers. They lead The Holup-Niewinski Group, of HomeSmart Realty.
