Avenue CDC provides HUD-certified Pre-Purchase Homebuyer Education and Counseling to assist those who want to purchase their own homes. Class topics include credit issues, preparing to qualify for a loan, and find the financing that best meets the need. Prospective buyers will learn what to look for when they shop for a home — including the long-term savings from energy-efficient features.
Classes available IN PERSON or ONLINE!
IN PERSON
Weekly classes are provided on-site at Avenue CDC’s NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center, located at 707 Quitman, Houston, TX 77009
Classes are offered on Saturdays, 9 am to 5 pm; please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in.
Classes, including unlimited one-on-one counseling, are $15/household if purchased in advance, or $20/household if purchased at the door.
To be eligible for the $15 class fee, you must be signed up before 3 pm on the Friday before the class date.
Upcoming 2012 Class Dates:
- June 16, 23, 30
- July 7, 14, 21, 28
- August 4, 18, 25
To Register, select a class date and one of the following options:
- Fill out online registration form OR
- Email Rosa Galvan at rosag@avenuecdc.org OR
- Call Rosa Galvan at 713-864-8099 ext 253
**Fee can be paid online via PayPal or by mailing/bringing a check or money order to Avenue CDC’s offices [707 Quitman, Houston, TX 77009].
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ONLINE
On-line classes provide the flexibility to learn at the time and location convenient to YOU!
Online class is $50, including required homebuyer counseling session and minimum documentation.
*Note, online courses are not eligible for Down-payment Assistance through the City of Houston.
To register, click here.
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Our program
Avenue CDC provides a comprehensive training and counseling program that includes the following components:
1.) Attend in-person or online homebuyer education class
2.) Complete a one-on-one counseling session:
After taking the homebuyer education class, return to Avenue CDC for an individual face-to-face counseling session, or if a face-to-face session is not possible, a counseling session via telephone. Appointments for these counseling sessions should be scheduled in advance. The following documents are required:
- Last month of paystubs
- Copy of driver’s license
3.) To receive a training certificate (required for many loans and grants), it is a requirement to complete the one-on-one counseling session and provide a copy of the earnest money contract of the home you are purchasing.
4.) Provide a copy of HUD-1 Closing Document to Avenue CDC
Upon closing on a home, fax or mail a copy of the HUD-1 Settlement Statement to Avenue CDC (to assist us in reporting to our funders). Fax the statement to (713) 864-0027, or use the Avenue CDC self-addressed envelope provided.
5.) Take two hour post purchase class, call (713) 864-9099 to register.
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Pre-Purchase Class Topics
- Introduction to Homeownership – the advantages and responsibilities of buying your own home
- All About Mortgages – qualifying for a loan, credit issues, interest rates, types of loans (fixed vs. adjustable, conventional vs. FHA or VA loans), fees and points, prepayment penalties, good faith estimates, and more
- Subsidies – Grants and special loans available to low and moderate income homebuyers
- Finding Your Dream Home – role of realtors, what to look for when shopping for a home
- The Pre-Purchase Process – about the earnest money contract, inspections, surveys, appraisals, title insurance
- The Closing – documents and funding
- After You Have Purchased Your Home – insurance issues, property taxes, lender communications, maintenance and more
Links Available
The following links provide information on subsidies available to homebuyers in the Greater Houston Area.
Subsidies in the City of Houston houstonhousing.org
Subsidies in Harris County cedd.hctx.net/CommunityDev.htm
Subsidies in other areas of Southeast Texas sethfc.com
