The program gives homebuyers improved pricing on standard mortgageinsurance rates if they complete eight hours of pre-purchase face-to-face orclassroom education by a non-profit, non-lending institution.

"Many homeowners are in trouble today because they do not understand howthe mortgage process works and all the options available to them when theytook out their loans," said Chris Antonello, senior vice president, Marketingfor Genworth Mortgage Insurance. "We know that educated borrowers are morelikely to avoid default, so providing this incentive makes sense for allinvolved."

Research by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University andFreddie Mac has shown that pre-purchase counseling can significantly reducethe delinquency rates of borrowers.

Borrowers taking advantage of the program also have access to up to $3,000of discounts on home-related products and services through the GenworthHomeNow network, as well as a broad range of on-line tools and calculatorsdesigned to make the mortgage process easier and more understandable.

"We want people to know that there are safe, secure options for low downpayment mortgages. Our research with consumers and loan officers shows thateducation about the mortgage process is highly valued. With education andsavings for the buyer and better loan performance for our lender customers,everyone wins with this program," Antonello said.

Borrowers with Genworth mortgage insurance also have peace of mind knowingthat help is available should they face financial difficulty. Genworth's freeof charge "Homeowner Assistance" program is designed to keep borrowers intheir homes if at all possible. Over the past year, some 90 percent ofGenworth-assisted workouts nationwide were cures, where borrowers were able tokeep their homes and become up to date on their mortgage payments. GenworthMortgage Insurance is a division of Genworth Financial, Inc.

About Genworth Financial

Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW) is a leading public Fortune 500global financial security company. Genworth has $114 billion in assets andemploys approximately 7,000 people in 25 countries. Its products and serviceshelp meet the investment, protection, retirement and lifestyle needs of over15 million customers. Genworth operates through three segments: Retirementand Protection, International and U.S. Mortgage Insurance. Its products andservices are offered through financial intermediaries, advisors, independentdistributors and sales specialists. Genworth Financial, which traces itsroots back to 1871, became a public company in 2004 and is headquartered inRichmond, Virginia. For more information, visit http://www.genworth.com.

SOURCE Genworth Financial, Inc.