First-time homebuyers will have a one-stop shop Saturday for information on the particulars of purchasing a house.

Vicksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is sponsoring a free community workshop for first-time homebuyers from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Warren County Vicksburg Public Library, 700 Veto St., said Patricia Hunt, economic development chairperson for the sorority association.

“We have four presenters who will provide info on credit, loans, city homebuyer services, local real estate market, etc,” said Patricia Hunt, economic chair for the sorority.

Presenters for the workshop include Mutual Credit Union branch manager Karen Dowe who has worked as a loan officer and underwriter, Habitat For Humanity executive director Abraham Green, Coldwell Banker Realtor Kim Steen and City of Vicksburg Housing Director Gertrude Young.

One of the biggest concerns for new homeowners, Green said, is “can you afford your house?”

“When you come out of college, the first thing you want to do is get a big car and then a big house. Then you want to get a job to support that,” Green said. “You’ve got to get something you can afford. A house note is a major investment, but you’ve still got to live.”

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recommends that no more than 30 percent of income be spent on housing.

“There’s still unforeseen maintenance things that can happen. You need to make sure you have some sort of emergency fund to cover those expenses,” Green said.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is a community based service organization founded in 1913. For more information on the workshop, call Bobbie Bingham Morrow at 601-630-5847 or Hunt at 601-831-0310.