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 Class: Addresses budgeting, unexpected/creeping costs in home ownership, bill paying, understanding home utility costs, energy saving tips. The class is taught by the Financial Education Center.

Credit Class: Addresses credit reports, unsecured credit, predatory lending, factors that effect credit scores. The class is taught by the Financial Education Center.

Introduction Class: Addresses the requirements of becoming a Habitat Homeowner, including sweat equity requirements, required classes, and history of Habitat. The class is taught by the Family Support Committee/staff.

Sweat Equity/Communications Class: Addresses in depth the sweat equity requirements, what is permitted to be used for sweat equity and devising a plan for a family to complete their hours within the required time frame. The class also addresses preparing the families on how to respond to commonly asked questions regarding Habitat so they feel more comfortable describing the mission of the organization when asked. This includes a brief media training and how to prepare for media interviews. The class is taught by staff.

Habitat ReStore and Special Events Training: Introduces the families to the Habitat ReStore, tour of the Habitat store on Cottage Grove Road and how sweat equity hours could be earned through working at the store. Discussion also occurs on staffing a Habitat booth at trade shows, such as the Home Remodeling Show or at the various festivals held in Dane County. The class is taught by staff.

Spatial Impact Class: Addresses how to design the interior of one’s home to recognize the patterns and effects of behavior in a place, focuses on welcoming space and valuing intentional use of space. The class is taught by Spatial Impact.

Energy, Conservation and Safety: Addresses the energy usage and conservation in a home, and safety tips to prevent disasters: fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, recycling requirements. The class is taught by the Family Support Committee and the City of Madison Fire Department.

Lawn and Yard Care: Addresses the maintenance required to establish freshly seeded lawns, discusses shrubs and trees and landscaping options. The class is taught by Habitat’s Green Team.

Pre-Closing: Addresses the financial package offered to families at closing. Discusses terminology, detailed information regarding the mortgage structure and explanation of any regulations or restrictions that apply to the mortgages. Sample documents are shared. The class is taught by an attorney.

Home/Condo Association: Addresses the restrictions and covenants of specific neighborhood or condo associations. The class is taught by an attorney.

Good Neighbor Class: Addresses how to resolve conflict if it should arise between neighbors.