Homebuyer Education

NHS of South Buffalo offers several different options for homebuyer education. We have Homebuyer Clubs, "Fast Track" classes, and Homebuyer Education 8 hour courses. Read below to see which is best for you!

Homebuyer Clubs

Homebuyer Clubs are educational, self-supporting groups that help to build responsible homeowners by providing group members with information that, along with their own determination and self-sacrifice, enable them to become homeowners and improve their quality of life.

Homebuyer Clubs are targeted toward families facing obstacles to homeownership that cannot be resolved in a short period of time. The basic curriculum for Homebuyer clubs is the same for Homeownership Education workshops, but the material is spread out over a longer period of time. This additional time helps families correct credit problems, reduce debts or save money for the down payment and closing costs on a home.

Homebuyer Clubs enable participants to really get to know one another. The group support is valued for its ability to encourage participants to stay on track. Homebuyer clubs include a minimum of 12 hours of instruction and run between three and 12 months in duration.

HOW DOES THE HOMEBUYER CLUB PROCESS WORK?

A group of 10-15 pre-screened potential home purchasers commit to meeting together regularly for 6-12 months under the supervision of a qualified housing counselor. Club may meet once a month for six months or less (“fast track”) for those with minor issues and up to two years (“slow track”) for those with major obstacles. The purpose is to motivate, encourage and assist participants in overcoming their barriers to purchasing a home.

HOW ARE HOMEBUYER CLUBS DIFFERENT FROM HOMEBUYER EDUCATION?

Most Homeownership counseling is limited in the amount of ongoing support and follow-up. Clients are “given the information and told what to do.” In Homebuyer Clubs, clients are not only informed of the changes that are needed; they are given helpful tools, group support and on-going support in order to help them reach their goal. They discover they aren’t all alone. Goals are “monitored” and continual feedback and encouragement flows from the group. Small successes are celebrated and built upon. It’s one step at a time until they reach their goal!

WHAT TOPICS ARE COVERED IN HOMEBUYER CLUB MEETINGS?

Everything necessary to bring a client to a “readiness to buy” position is covered in homebuyer club meetings. The topics and emphasis is customized according to the needs of the participants. Once you’ve completed these meetings, you will no longer be intimidated by the home purchase process. You will know all the financing options that are available, and which best serves your purpose. You will know what obstacles are standing in the way, and will have received support and assistance in overcoming them. The following are topics that are covered in homebuyer club meetings:

• Overcoming credit obstacles
• Overcoming employment obstacles
• Budgeting
• Savings
• Selecting a Home
• The Home Purchase Process
• Summary

You must be pre-registered for any class. The cost of these classes will be $60 per person or $75 per couple. The money order is due at the beginning of the class (or the beginning of the first class for Homebuyer Club).

All classes will be hosted at 1937 South Park Avenue.

Call (716) 823-3630 to register today!

Closing Assistance Loans for First-Time Homebuyers

NHS of South Buffalo now offers Closing Assistance Loans for first-time homebuyers in the South District**. Loans will be secured as a soft second mortgage with an interest rate of 1%. You must remain in the home until the assistance loan is repaid (60 months). If you move out of the home, you must pay the loan in full. You must invest at least 2% or $500 of your own funds, whichever is higher, for down payment. You are required to obtain an independent home inspection at buyer's expense. You must qualify for a mortgage loan with an approved financial institution (NO owner-held mortgages). You must take the agency's eight-hour Homebuyer Education course (see above for dates offered).

**The South Distract is defined as south of the Buffalo River, situated within the municipal boundaries.

Please call our housing counselor, Pamela Tait-Kwiatkowski at (716) 823-3630 x109 for more information or to inquire about the application process.