If you think this training is just for first-timers, think again. Real estate markets change, and so do homebuying environments. It is worth considering taking a class each time you're making a home purchase, especially if it has been a significant number of years between purchases. The homebuying class can keep you up to date on what you'll need to know this time around.
Where can you find these courses? Many private lenders offer their own training, but governments -- local, state and federal -- are the main source for instructional classes for homebuyers. In fact, on both the public and private side, these classes are often tied to special loans or funding assistance for the qualified.
Most homebuyer trainings are free -- if you’re asked to pay, get an explanation for what those costs cover.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides a list of approved state and local agencies that offer a range of homebuyer education options -- some even help first-time buyers obtain grants and other financial assistance with their down payments. HUD has backed up this ...
