Residents of the Far East Side are beautifying and stabilizing the area, and they’re looking for new neighbors with the energy and vision to jump in on the fun.

They’re urging prospective homebuyers to come to the East Tacoma Home Buyer’s Fair and Tour of Homes today from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It’s a two-part event, with a resource fair at the Portland Avenue Center, 3513 Portland Ave., and a tour of move-in-ready homes nearby.

At the fair, reputable experts will be on hand to discuss zero-down financing, down payment assistance programs, FHA and rehab loans. They’ll have information on credit repair, budgeting, and the difference between an appraisal and a home inspection. They’ll showcase the homes that will be for sale in the next phase of construction at New Salishan.

They’ll also introduce the community leaders who are revitalizing the neighborhood around what was once called T-Street Gulch. It’s First Creek now, and it’s a hotbed of activism and optimism.

On the tour, agents will show off homes in the $100,000 to $250,000 range. Some are bank-owned, some are new, and all are ready for buyers.

Organizers and supporters include the Women’s Council of Realtors and Tacoma/Pierce County Association of Realtors, the Tacoma Housing Authority, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, Tacoma Public Utilities, United Way of Tacoma/Pierce County, the Tacoma/Pierce County Asset Building Coalition, HomeSight and the Federal Reserve Bank.

For information, call Edwina Magrum at 253-474-7083, or e-mail her at emmag@harbornet.com.

The Puyallup Tribe is sponsoring the event organized by the City of Tacoma Safe and Clean Team, Improving Livability through Home Ownership.

Kathleen Merryman, The News Tribune