Buying your first home is exciting… but it can also feel overwhelming. A group of real estate professionals will join us for an interactive panel event designed to demystify the process and give you the confidence, clarity, and insider knowledge you need to take the next step toward owning a home.
The First-Time Homebuyer Panel: Your Roadmap to Homeownership will bring together industry experts, including real estate professionals, mortgage lenders, attorneys, and home inspectors, who will share practical guidance and answer your most pressing questions. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or preparing to make an offer, this event will help you understand what to expect at every stage…
— How to prepare financially and understand your buying power
— What lenders look for and how to navigate mortgage options
— The role of your real estate agent and how to choose the right one
— Common mistakes first-time buyers make—and how to avoid them
— Current market trends and what they mean for new buyers
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Meet the Panelists
Cindy O’Grady (CRA Mortgage Loan Officer, NBT Bank)
A seasoned mortgage originator with more than 30 years in the industry, Cindy has guided thousands of clients through one of life’s biggest financial decisions. Her specialty is helping first‑time homebuyers feel confident, informed, and supported from pre‑approval to closing. Known for patience, clarity, and deep market knowledge, she’s built a career on making homeownership accessible and stress‑free.
Elaine Hanford (Realtor, Howard Hanna)
With over 20 years of real estate experience, Elaine has assisted many of her first-time homeowner clients find and move into their homes. Elaine is bilingual and a resident of Irondequoit. She specializes in Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne Counties.
Mark Gunther (Lawyer, Olver Korts)
Mark has been practicing for over 30 years and his primary area of focus is real estate. During that time, he has represented buyers, sellers, and lenders in real estate purchases and sales.
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The First-Time Homebuyer Panel will be held on Tuesday, February 17, at 6:30 PM. If you’d like to attend, please register now through our Event Calendar. Pizza will be provided for those who attend.
Published on February 11, 2026.
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