Homebuyer education courses can be an invaluable tool for the First Time Homebuyer. They provide details on the many facets of homeownership, from preparing for the process, through the house hunt, all the way through to responsibilities of maintaining homeownership.

Not all homebuyer education classes are the same. Many real estate brokers and lenders provide these courses, but most are not approved by HUD. HUD has two homebuyer's education course curriculum and has approved Housing Resource Centers throughout the country who facilitate these programs. Going through these programs will get first time homebuyers in to courses designed to provide information only - without any selling pressure whatsoever.

Upon completion of the HUD approved courses, first time homebuyers receive the Completion Certificate they will need to meet the requirements of many first time homebuyer programs. Even if a first time homebuyer is not using a program that requires these certificates, these HUD approved programs are a highly recommended source for reliable information they will need along the road to fulfilling their American Dream of Homeownership.

Search for Housing Resource Centers in your area to get schedules of available homebuying classes in your area. For Southern Oregon, the ACCESS, Inc. Housing Department is dedicated to promoting and facilitating the creation of affordable housing, as well as programs and services that offer low to moderate income people the opportunity to live in decent, safe, housing. Go to their website to get information and assistance on the following;

• Listing of affordable rentals in Jackson and Josephine Counties.
• Buying a home and related services.
• Housing counseling to those who have suffered a setback and are in danger of losing the place they call home or to seniors who are considering a reverse mortgage.
• Affordable housing development and consultation.
  

Learn the basics of choosing and qualifying for a new home through ACCESS, Inc/SOHRC's ABC's of Homebuying course. Pre-registration is required. For information and 2008 class schedule, click on the calendar.

For a great source of brief webcasts on related topics for first time homebuyers, go to http://www.hud.gov/webcasts/archives/homeforall.cfm 

See you at the closing table!

Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com