Home Buyers Education

 Buying a home is probably the biggest, most expensive purchase you will ever make. Educating yourself before you become a homeowner can help you get the best home for your money. The Make Your Move... A Guide to Home ownership course will help you understand the terms used in the home-buying process, the professionals you'll work with, and the documents you'll need to close your loan. You'll learn what to expect as you go through the process of shopping for and buying a home. You'll learn how to get the best deal, and how to avoid predatory lenders. You will receive a certificate when you finish the course.

Make Your Move covers essential topics clients need to  know before they buy a home, and after they become new homeowners, including:

• Budgeting and being financially prepared to buy a house

• Information lenders are looking for before approving a loan

• Finding the right lender and avoiding predatory practices

• Types of loans

• Shopping for a home – existing homes and new construction

• New homeowner’s responsibilities

Make Your Move helps you become a financially savvy homeowner. You'll learn why you need to get your finances in shape, and how to do it, before you even start looking at houses. You'll learn how to create a budget, check your credit report and get your financial documents in order. Doing all of this help you be well-prepared to apply for a loan.

Realtors? Home inspectors? Underwriters? You'll learn about the professionals that are involved in the home-buying process, and their role in making sure you get into the home that best fits your needs and budget.

You'll learn how to find the right lender, and how to questionable or predatory lending schemes.

There's more to buying a home that just finding one you like. You'll learn how to select the right home – or build one, if that's the option you prefer. Ultimately, your goal is to find a home you like that fits your budget and your needs.

You'll learn about the credit approval process and many of the types of loans available for home buyers. Some specialized loans may be available to you based on your income, vocation or other criteria. After you get your loan, you'll learn about the steps involved in making an offer and closing on the purchase of your new home.

You'll learn how to be a good homeowner. Make Your Move includes lists of seasonal maintenance chores. You'll learn why repairs and maintenance are essential when you're living in your home, and when you want to sell it.

To explore more about our housing and mortgage counseling services, head over to our Get Started page and request an appointment with a counselor.