Homeowner Education
preparing you to succesfully take on the challenges of homeownership
As part of each future homeowner’s sweat equity investment of 250 hours in Habitat for Humanity ‘s program, each adult family member completes a homeowner education program that prepares them to successfully take on the challenges of homeownership. Included in that program are classes on community wide financial resources, hands on training with small tools and power tools, landscaping and yard maintenance, homeowner insurance and disaster preparation.
Apply for Homeownership
Review the program requirements and download our application.
Financial Empowerment
Huntington Facilitated Workshops
These classes teach you step-by-step how to budget, beat debt, invest wisely, and take control of your money.
Future homeowners complete this program to learn all the skills needed for monthly budgeting for monthly mortgage payments that successfully lead them to crossing the finish line by paying off their mortgage to live debt-free. Families develop a plan to save money, invest for their future, and build generational wealth.
HUD Certified Homebuyer Education Class
Future homeowners also complete an 8-hour HUD Certified homebuyer education class with our training partners at East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation.
This course explains the steps in the home buying process and the key professionals who make up the home buying team. After completing this course participants are better prepared when selecting lenders and loan products. Topics covered include:
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If you are ready to buy a home
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Managing your money
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Understanding credit
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How to shop for a home
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What the mortgage loan process is like and how to apply
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What happens during the closing
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How to maintain your home after you buy
Home Maintenance Module
Future homeowners complete an 8-hour Home Maintenance program that provides hands on training for basic home repairs. This training empowers Habitat for Humanity homeowners to take on more of the routine maintenance of their home and reduces the financial burden associated with making service calls.
Training includes:
- drywall repair
- basic maintenance of home appliances
- replacing door locks
- replacing toilet supply lines
- changing furnace filters
- draining a hot water tank
- and more!
Owning a home is a significant achievement, but it also comes with responsibilities.
Habitat’s Homeowner Education program equips you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the process with confidence. Our informative classes cover a wide range of topics, from understanding homeowner’s insurance to mastering basic home repairs. You’ll gain valuable insights from industry professionals and seasoned homeowners, empowering you to make informed decisions for your future. By participating in these informative classes, you’ll feel empowered to handle the joys and challenges of homeownership confidently.
Class Topics Include:
Homeowner Insurance Overview
Empower yourself as a future homeowner by understanding your homeowners insurance. We break down the complexities of coverage, understanding policy, and maintaining coverage leaving you feeling confident about protecting your future investment.
Food and Nutrition Education Program
Take control of your kitchen and build a foundation for healthy living in your new home. Learn skills to plan balanced meals while shopping on a budget, discover healthy cooking techniques, and explore easy new recipes. Understand the relationship between food and health that helps you make informed choices for you and your family.
Homeowner Q&A Panel
Ask all your questions to the families who have already gone through the Habitat for Humanity homeownership program. This interactive panel discussion allows you to ask burning questions directly to a group of homeowners who’ve been there, done that. The panel is here to guide you on your journey to homeownership.
Construction Overview
Unveil the mystery behind the construction process. This informative class equips future homeowners with a foundational understanding of how your home is built along with what to expect throughout the process.
Gardening Tips and Tricks
This hands-on workshop equips future homeowners with the knowledge to cultivate a beautiful and thriving garden. Learn tips on planning the right plants for your space, tackle common gardening challenges, and create a vibrant outdoor space you’ll cherish for years to come.
Finding Quality Contractors
This class equips future homeowners with the skills to confidently find reputable contractors for any project. Learn how to interpret bids, ask the right questions, and avoid red flags. Discover effective methods for researching contractors, verify credentials, and securing references.
Pest Control 101
Protect your new home from unwanted guests. Get knowledge to identify common household pests and implement safe and effective control strategies. Discover how pests invade homes and explore eco-friendly and safe pesticides. Learn when to tackle pest problems yourself and when to call in a professional.
Ask the CEO
Ask all your questions directly to the CEO of our homeownership program to gain valuable insights and first-hand knowledge about your path to homeownership. Learn about the homeownership journey after program completion and what to expect.
Disaster Preparedness
Be prepared, not scared. This class equips you with the knowledge and tools to keep your family and home safe in the face of potential disaster. Understand local risks and common threats, learn the essential supplies you need to create a preparedness kit, and craft an emergency plan for your family.
Fire Safety 101
This essential course equips future homeowners with the knowledge and skills to prevent fires, develop a fire escape plan, and act safely in the event of a fire emergency. Learn about common causes of home fires in the kitchen, electrical systems, and more, discover effective methods to prevent fires and reduce your home’s risk and understand the importance of smoke detectors along with maintenance procedures. Gain peace of mind knowing you’ve taken proactive steps to protect your family and home with skills to prevent fires and respond effectively in an emergency.
Health Insurance Overview
This informative course equips future homeowners with the knowledge to navigate the world of health insurance and make informed choices for a healthy future. Demystify health insurance terminology, explore different plans to find the right fit for your needs, identify factors to consider when choosing a plan and discover strategies to get the most out of your health insurance plan.
How to Avoid Scams
Protect your dream and your hard-earned money. Learn the tools to identify and avoid common scams targeting homeowners. Explore effective methods for researching professionals and verifying credentials to avoid working with scammers. Learn how to protect your personal information and avoid falling victim to identity theft.
Who are these classes for?
Homeowner Education Classes and all courses are only available for people who have been accepted in Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program. If you are interested in applying for this program, complete and turn in an application for homeownership.