Family Training & Education

One of the criteria for Habitat homeownership is that the family is asked to take courses in financing and home maintenance. The valuable training gained in these courses help families prepare for the responsibilities and challenges of owning and maintaining their own homes.

Budget and Finance Class: This class addresses all aspects of the applicant's current and future financial situation. Topics covered include: budgeting, unsecured credit, credit report review, unexpected/creeping costs in home ownership, predatory lending, and homeowner insurance policies. This class is taught by members of the Finance Committee and the Family Support Committee.

Home Maintenance Class: This class will prepare future homeowners for the first year in their new home. This is taught by a member of the Construction Staff and explores in-depth how to maintain a home and what things to do seasonally to prevent any damage. The class takes place in a Habitat Home that is currently under construction and is taught in a partial classroom style and partial hands-on experience.

Lawn care and Landscaping Class: This class will help future homeowners understand what maintenance is required to help establish their freshly seeded lawn. The class also talks about what trees and shrubs would be appropriate to plant considering the topography of the neighborhood and each specific lot. Homeowners will have an opportunity to explore landscaping options one-on-one with a member of the Habitat for Humanity Green Team prior to selecting their trees and shrubs at Jung's garden center. The class takes place on-site and is led by a member of the Habitat for Humanity Green Team.

Communicating the Habitat Mission: Future Habitat for Humanity homeowners are asked many questions about the Habitat program. This class will help prepare families on how to respond to those commonly asked questions, educate them on the history of Habitat for Humanity and to also feel more comfortable explaining the Habitat mission and program. The class also provides media training and suggestions on how to prepare for media interviews. The class is taught by a HFHDC communications and public relations staff member.

Pre-close Class: The purpose of this class is to review the financing package Habitat offers for the family. The class is taught by the Family Services Manager and is usually one-on-one. Families will learn different financing terminology that will assist them in understanding what happens at the closing. Families will be provided with detailed information regarding the mortgage structure and all of the financing entities involved. Special time will be taken to explain any regulation or restrictions that apply to the mortgages involved in the purchase of their home. Sample mortgage and recording documents will be reviewed to help prepare families for the closing meeting.