Homebuyer Education & Counseling
Just getting started? For many, the first step to becoming a successful homeowner is attending a homebuyer education workshop or getting pre-purchase counseling.
Mortgage lenders often require borrowers to complete an approved homebuyer education course in order to qualify for special incentive programs, including downpayment and closing cost assistance.
Minnesota Home Ownership Center
The Minnesota Home Ownership Center offers resources and education to first time homebuyers. The Center's network of partners offers Home Stretch, a two-part program to simplify the home buying process and to prepare first time homebuyers for the important choices related to home ownership.
Find your local housing counselor here and a list of upcoming Home Stretch courses in the metro area here.
| Program | Geographic Service Area | Program Details |
|---|---|---|
|
African Development Center Homebuyer Education more details > |
Twin Cities Metro, St. Cloud, Rochester, Owatonna, Mankato, Willmar |
• Focused on African immigrant and refugee community in MN • Open to anyone |
|
Community Neighborhood Housing Services Homebuyer Education more details > |
Twin Cities Metro Area |
• HUD approved non-profit counseling service provider • Classes offered in English, Spanish and Hmong |
|
Neighborhood Development Alliance Homebuyer Education more details > |
Twin Cities Metro Area |
• Classes are offered in English and in Spanish • HUD certified home ownership counseling provider |
|
Neighborhood Housing Services of Minneapolis Homebuyer Education more details > |
Twin Cities Metro |
• Pre- and post-purchase training and counseling |
|
PRG Homebuyer Education more details > |
Twin Cities Metro |
• Interpreters may be available for languages other than English |
Homebuyer Stories
Volunteer Program Restores a Beloved Family Home
Longtime St. Paul residents Larry and Beverly Halcomb recently found themselves caught in a predicament many homeowners come to dread: the need for immediate, extensive home repair. The need became more and more apparent even as the possibility of seeking financial help grew more and more slim, until the Halcombs happened to notice an advertisement in their community newsletter describing the requirements for A Brush With Kindness; Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s home restoration program that pairs low-income homeowners with volunteers.
[read more]