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If you’re thinking you want to buy a house, but you don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. At CHFA we hear this from many people we talk with in the community. A good place to start could be with a CHFA-sponsored homebuyer education class early in the homebuying process.
Homebuyer Education
The class will help you become an informed homebuyer and successful homeowner by learning:
- How to create a budget as a homeowner
- How credit impacts homebuying options and how to improve your credit
- The costs of homebuying and the approval process
- What to expect after closing
“The class gave me a clear understanding of the homebuying process—from budgeting to closing. I learned how to prepare financially, what to expect with credit, and how to work with lenders and realtors. It made me feel empowered instead of overwhelmed. I also built a real connection with my whole team and the class instructors. I felt genuinely set up for success, and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped guide me,” CHFA homeowner Raven said about her homebuyer education class.
Free in-person classes are available in English and Spanish. You can search for a Homebuyer Education class in your area here. Online classes are also available for a fee.
Finding a Lender and a Real Estate Agent
Finding a lender and a real estate agent who are the best fit for you is also an important part of getting started in the homebuying process. You can learn about this in a CHFA-sponsored homebuyer education class, but CHFA has additional resources to help as well.
Finding a lender is about more than selecting one that offers the best rates; you want to work with a lender that offers expertise and will help guide you through the process. A lender may also provide you with a pre-approval and/or prequalification. Remember, you are in charge of selecting your lender and they are working for you. We suggest you interview at least three lenders asking as many questions as you need to feel secure.
Just like with your lender, you should be comfortable and confident in the real estate agent you choose. A real estate agent should help you find homes that meet your must-have requirements while staying within your budget. They will set up showings, provide market analyses for competing and sold listings, prepare offers, and handle basic negotiations on properties. Learn how to select a real estate agent, including questions to ask real estate agents to help find the one best suited to your needs.
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