You will receive materials for the workshop. Through our fiduciary partner you will be eligible for complimentary financial life planning, a critical tool in our holistic process for stress-free homeownership and ongoing lifelong financial success.

Each certificate includes a date of completion. Your certificate expires one year from the day that you have completed the course. Lenders may have specific policies regarding how long certificates are valid after the date of completion. Borrowers should check with their lender/program administrator to confirm their lender’s policy.

This workshop is designed to help you gain essential knowledge to prepare for sustainable homeownership. While it is not the course you need to qualify for down-payment, it is the starting point to help you create an action plan for how to navigate your journey to becoming a homeowner.

You can make up your class at any time we do have for your convenience an online course. You have 30 days to cancel your counseling with the agency from the day you start.

Everyone is required to take home buyers’ educational course that is going to be on the loan.

Saving for the down payment is the greatest obstacle for first-time homebuyers. Lenders expect between 3.5 % to 6% for a down payment. It varies according to the lender’s requirements, and the type and length of the loan. Make a budget, set a goal, and stick with the plan. Saving and sacrificing is how most people come up with their first down payment.

Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage gives first-time homebuyers an indication of how much they “might” qualify to borrow. This mortgage amount is not guaranteed because no information has yet been verified. A letter from the lender may only state that you are “likely” to be approved for a mortgage.

Better yet is getting pre-approved for a mortgage, which is based on a real credit score, and it also puts real estate agents and home sellers at ease. The buyer has more to offer when making a deal and in a competitive market this can be a definite plus.

A credit score numerically summarizes an individual’s credit history and gives a snapshot of their financial standing to a lender. Mortgage lenders use the score to decide who receives loans and at what interest rate. The higher the score means the better the chance of getting a loan with an attractive interest rate.

If your score is low, it is not impossible to get a loan, but it will take longer. These three different companies keep credit histories: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Before applying for a loan, get reports from all three companies. Fix any errors you might see to improve your score and put your best foot forward with lenders. Our agency can help with the process to get approval by ordering a copy of your credit report.