Homebuyer Education
Homebuyer Education
Maine hoMEworks offers a eight-hour homebuyer education course to prospective homebuyers year-round through its HUD-approved, participating counseling agencies located across the state. Download the class schedule to find a location near you.
The eight-hour course is valuable to anyone considering a home purchase and is required for many down payment assistance and other lending programs for first-time homebuyers. The course will help you make good choices about becoming a homeowner and selecting a home that meets your needs and matches your financial resources. The course provides step-by-step instruction on all aspects of the home buying process from application to closing, as well determining how much home you can afford; budgeting for homeownership expenses; how credit affects home buying; resources for down payment assistance; mortgage financing options; real estate contracts; and home inspections.
Learn more about Homebuyer Education by downloading the Maine hoMEworks Brochure or reading about Maine hoMEworks below.
What topics are covered in this class?
The 8-hour class covers all aspects of the home buying process:
Budgeting to buy a home
Credit score and credit report
Shop for a mortgage loan
Finding the right home
Inspect before you buy
Home mortgage loan process
Loan closing process and expenses
Being a homeowner
Learn About Roles of Professionals in the Home Buying Field:
Real Estate Agents
Lenders
Appraisers
Home Inspectors
Mortgage Insurers
Title Companies
Who MAY TAKE THE CLASS?
Classes are open to the public and open to anyone who is interested in learning about the process of purchasing a home.
Please note: A hoMEworks approved class is required for MaineHousing First Home or Operation New Home program with the Advantage option. Applicants of MaineHousing's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program are also required to participate in this course.
Who teaches this class?
A variety of HUD-approved counseling agencies conduct the homebuyer education classes and counseling services on behalf of Maine hoMEworks.
Where and when are the classes held?
Homebuyer education classes are offered on a variety of days, times and locations to accommodate diverse schedules. Please view the schedule to find classes offered in your area.
How do you register for this class?
Prospective homebuyers and MaineHousing loan applicants can register in person, by telephone, email or online for a homebuyer education course at one of the participating education providers.
Applicants who complete the class will be provided with a certificate to verify that they have satisfied the education requirement for mortgage programs. The certificate is valid for 24 months from the date of completion.
How much does this class cost?
The price of this class is $30 per person. For more information please see the class schedule above.
Questions? Contact Maine hoMEworks.
A MaineHousing approved lender can provide you with information about the homebuyer education requirement and refer you to an agency near you. Or, you may contact a counseling agency directly to obtain more detailed information.
If you still have questions, please contact Maine hoMEworks by filling out this form.