Homebuyer education is an essential step for first-time buyers, and in many cases is required for down payment assistance programs.
SABOR (San Antonio Board of Realtors) offers in-person and online homebuyer education classes covering the entire buying process.
HUD-approved counseling agencies provide one-on-one pre-purchase counseling. TSAHC down payment assistance programs require an 8-hour homebuyer education course.
Available Courses
SABOR Buyer Education: 4-hour class, 0. HUD-approved counseling: NHS San Antonio, SAHA. TSAHC: 8-hour course for DPA programs. Many free online options.
Cost
SABOR: 0 (covers one buyer or couple). HUD counseling: gen_94_100.sh-0. National online courses (Framework, eHome): 0-9. Most DPA programs require a specific course.
Online Options
Online: Framework (national, self-paced, ~8 hours). eHome (national, interactive). TSAHC: online option available. SABOR: in-person only at this time.
Certification
TSAHC and TDHCA programs require completion of an approved homebuyer education course. The certificate must be submitted with your application. Certificates are valid for 12 months.
What You'll Learn
Topics: budgeting for homeownership, credit improvement, mortgage options, the home buying process, closing costs, home maintenance, and avoiding foreclosure.
How to Register
Register online: SABOR.org (classes calendar), Framework.org (online eHome course), TSAHC.org (approved course list).