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Chase Launches Second "Legacy of Homeownership Tour"

Financial expert Michelle Singletary, lender help African Americans start their financial legacy through homeownership

Chase, one of the nation's leading home lenders, returns to Houston with its Legacy of Homeownership Tour to help consumers learn how to become long-term homeowners.

Now in its second year and with returning lead sponsor Freddie Mac, the Legacy of Homeownership Tour will be in Houston on May 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Reliant Center at Reliant Park. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required at www.chase.com/legacy.

The one-day seminar is designed to show African Americans how to establish and preserve their legacies through homeownership. It includes informational workshops, access to community resources and one-on-one consultations with mortgage professionals.

"At Chase, we know that helping people make good financial decisions will increase long-term homeownership," said Pablo Sanchez, home lending senior executive at Chase. "Providing consumers with practical advice lays the groundwork for a legacy of homeownership that can last for generations."

The Houston event will culminate with a keynote from Michelle Singletary, The Washington Post columnist and financial expert, on ways to protect yourself during the changing home lending environment and how to achieve true financial freedom through homeownership.

"For the second consecutive year, we are proud to support the Legacy of Homeownership Tour giving individuals the knowledge to make informed decisions when considering homeownership," said Craig Nickerson, vice president of Expanding Markets for Freddie Mac. "A home is often a family's largest investment and their legacy. This educational opportunity will help families prepare to buy a home, choose the right mortgage and understand the financial commitment. Knowledge is key to successful long-term homeownership."

Workshop topics include:

Renting vs. Owning: What to consider as you plan your purchase

Real Estate 101: What homebuyers should know before they purchase

Understanding Loan Options: What every lender should tell you

Protecting Your Financial Future: How to work with your lender

Guests will receive lunch and can enter a raffle for prizes including a Dell laptop.

The Tour kicked-off in Chicago and will make stops in New York on June 14 and Washington, D.C. on July 12. Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Capital Investments was the keynote speaker in Chicago, with Michelle Singletary as the keynote speaker in Houston and Washington, D.C., and Glinda Bridgforth, bestselling author of "Girl, Get Your Money Straight!" and "Girl, Make Your Money Grow" as the keynote in New York City.

National tour sponsors include Dell and Freddie Mac.

ABOUT CHASE

Chase is committed to helping consumers achieve and sustain home ownership. It originates $200 billion in residential mortgages and home equity annually, and services a portfolio of more than $600 billion. The home lending division serves borrowers nationwide through more than 2,400 local loan officers in 290 mortgage offices and more than 3,100 bank branches, as well as approximately 400 representatives in call centers. In addition, the Chase Business-to-Business channel serves mortgage brokers and bankers in all 50 states through 13 processing centers and more than 600 account executives. Parent company JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $1.6 trillion and operations in more than 50 countries. Information about Chase's mortgage products and services is available at www.chase.com.