FREE SEMINAR for first-time homebuyers: The Washington Trust Company and Rhode Island Housing will host a free seminar, “First-Time Homebuying Made Easy,” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, at Washington Trust’s main office, 23 Broad St., Westerly.

The seminar will explore all aspects of the home purchasing process, including what to expect when buying a home, down payment and closing cost options, the criteria lenders use to examine applicants and program qualifications. Speakers will include a Rhode Island Housing representative, a Consumer Credit Counseling Service representative, and Janell Hayes, assistant vice president and mortgage officer from Washington Trust.

Reservations are required to ensure space and course material availability. Attendees will receive the homebuyer’s education certificate that is required for Rhode Island Housing financing. For reservations, call The Washington Trust Company, (401) 348-1334 or 1 (800) 475-2265, ext. 1334.

MORTGAGE LENDING BROCHURE: Lender and regulator groups have an updated version of Mortgage Loans, a joint brochure to help educate both first-time and veteran homeowners, as well as second-mortgage holders and those refinancing a loan.

The brochure, originally produced in 2001, contains worksheets to help consumers shop for the best mortgage deal and determine an affordable monthly mortgage payment.

Consumers interested in a free copy may download one from the AFSA Education Foundations’ Web site www.afsaef.org or call 1 (888) 400-2233.

HGTV OPEN HOUSE: The HGTV show National Open House, a 30-minute program that compares real estate markets across the country and shows viewers what they can get for their money in various cities will highlight Providence in four episodes this season. The crew will be in the city to film the last two episodes from Dec. 4 through 8.

To qualify: homeowners must be available for four hours, be comfortable speaking about the current value of their homes, be located within the city limits of Providence, North Providence or Pawtucket, and have furnished homes valued in one of the following categories: $200,000, $250,000, $400,000, $500,000, $600,000; $750,000, $800,000, and $1 million.

For more information, call Ally Weinberg at 1 (818) 506-7551, ext. 224.

DORIS DUKE HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS: Lila Delman Real Estate was a recipient of the one of three of the first annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards, given by the Newport Restoration Foundation. President Melanie Delman accepted the award, conferred for the Lila Delman Real Estate office, located at 3 Memorial Blvd., recognizing the building’s restoration for its successful integration of a contemporary business into a restored historic building. The ceremony was held Sept. 14, at Rough Point, the former home of Doris Duke. The awards were given by the Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) and the City of Newport to celebrate local excellence in historic preservation.

Honoree Noreen Drexel received the Distinguished Stewardship award for her strong commitment to philanthropy and preservation in Newport for more than half a century. In her acceptance comments, Drexel fondly recalled her friend, the late Doris Duke, as both a champion of preservation in Newport and as an animal lover. Three other awards were given to recognize distinctive projects that have contributed to preserving the historic fabric of Newport. The Redwood Library & Athenaeum was honored for its recent project that involved rehabilitation as well as new construction on this National Historic Landmark site. Nicholas Scheetz received an award for his restoration of 40 Division St., which incorporated modern conveniences into an 18th-century single-family home while respecting its historic significance.

NEW BROKERAGE: Last Monday, Donnie Bennett (the Radio Realtor heard on WPRO) officially launched a new brand of Real Estate in Rhode Island. That brand is BLACKSTONE/OCEAN Properties. Serving all points of the Ocean State from the Eastside to the Seaside, BLACKSTONE/OCEAN Properties will specialize in residential real estate and is now accepting inquiries from qualified Realtors who are seeking an alternative to fee-heavy real estate brands.

Bennett is now a member of the Greater Providence Board of Realtors.

He can be heard giving free advice, to homebuyers and sellers, from 10 a.m. until noon every Sunday with REAL ESTATE 101 on News/Talk 630 WPRO.

BLACKSTONE/OCEAN Properties is located at 725 Branch Ave., in Providence.

harruda@projo.com