Homebuyer Education

Finally Home!
A chance to learn...a chance to own.

Do you want to buy a home, but don't know where to start?  You don't have to feel alone.  Home purchase is the largest expenditure many families ever make.  At the same time, home equity is the basis of many American families' wealth.  Through the Finally Home!^® program, PHNS offers Homebuyer Education classes to help you make the most of home purchase.

These free classes are offered every month, usually divided into four Wednesday evening sessions.  Sometimes the class is taught on Saturdays instead.  Check the calendar to see upcoming dates or call 232-9468.

In Homebuyer Education, the PNHS course facilitator provides an overview of course concepts and lessons on budgeting.  Local professionals from the real estate, home inspection, mortgage, and title insurance fields give presentations that familiarize class participants with the home purchase process.  Participants receive a textbook and weekly reading assignments.  Each class has four components:

• Session One, "Preparing for Homeownership," explores the advantages and disadvantages of homeownership.  Class participants are encouraged to take a close look at the reality of homeownership.  Budgeting is emphasized as a tool to manage home maintenance and house payments.
  
  
• In Session Two, "Shopping for a Home," a real estate professional leads participants through the steps of finding an agent and a home that suits their particular needs.  Prospective buyers learn the language and fundamentals of the sales contract.  In addition, a home inspection professional provides a detailed explanation of what to expect from a home inspection.
  
  
• Session Three, "Obtaining a Mortgage," outlines the necessary steps of shopping for a mortgage loan.  A lending professional introduces participants to the mortgage qualifying process, and the language and documents associated with it.
  
  
• Session Four, "Closing," outlines the basic process of closing your home purchase.  A title company representative explains the importance of title insurance, and what to expect from and how to prepare for the closing process.  Examples of closing documents are reviewed and explained.
  
  

Before you make one of the most important decisions of your life, call PNHS at 232-9468 to enroll in Homebuyer Education classes. We want your homeownership experience to be pleasant as well as successful.