Last updated: 1/12/17

Boston Home Center classes

We have plenty of resources, whether you're hoping to buy a home or already own one. Find out more about the classes we offer.

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We have classes available to homebuyers, homeowners, or anyone that wants to learn! Our classes are offered at several locations across Boston.

To sign up for a class, just check the schedule and register online. You'll get a confirmation e-mail. If you don't get one, give us a call at 617-635-HOME.

Still have questions? Contact:

Neighborhood Development

617-635-3880

neighborhooddevelopment.dnd@cityofboston.gov

26 Court Street

8th, 9th, and 11th Floors

Boston, MA 02108-2501

United States

Courses for homebuyers

CLASS	MORE DETAILS
Homebuying 100: Introduction to Homeownership	This one-and-a-half-hour course is ideal for anyone exploring the home buying process. You'll learn about the pros and cons of homeownership, about preparing your finances, and about determining what type of home is right for you.
Homebuying 101: How to Buy a Home	The ten-hour course for first-time buyers covers the mortgage process, managing debt, and shopping for a house. The class is required for anyone applying for assistance from the City.
Homebuying 102: How to Buy a Condo	The free two-hour seminar is available to anyone who graduates Homebuying 101. You can get information on buying a condo and tips for financing.
How to Assemble Your Homebuying Team	Join our panel discussion to find out who you need on your homebuying team. The session introduces you to the types of professionals you'll be working with, like mortgage loan officers, realtors, insurance agents, and real estate attorneys. You must be a member of the Homebuyer Club to join.
Loan to Own	The course covers everything you need to know about mortgages. We discuss the different types of mortgages and what lenders use to make loan decisions. We also discuss federal laws and how to avoid predatory lending. Provided by Citizens Bank YourPlace Banking
Drop-in Counseling Sessions for Homebuyers	We offer free group counseling sessions for graduates of Homebuying 101. These sessions help you figure out where you are in the homebuying process, and what steps to take next.
Structuring Your Finances for Homeownership	This one-and-a-half-hour workshop will teach you how to review your credit report, optimize your debt-to-credit ratio, and organize your financial documents. The goal is to help you prepare for applications to financial assistance programs and lenders.
Your Strategic Money Management Plan	A 2-hour credit workshop to help you analyze your spending and credit situations, and answer the question: am I making the right choices to manage my finances effectively?

Courses for homeowners

CLASS	MORE DETAILS
Healthy Homes	Your home can be threatened by a number of dangerous conditions, including lead, asbestos, and mold. Our class teaches you what to look for to make sure your home is healthy and safe.
Homeowner 201: Tips for New Homeowners Sign up for Homeowner 201 through the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA).	The free six-hour seminar offers tips for new homeowners and people looking for financial help through the Boston Housing Center. You can learn about maintenance, lead paint, and landlord and tenant rights. There are also tools for budgeting and qualifying for discount programs. You must be a graduate of Homebuyer 101 and a current homeowner to apply.
Homeowner 202: Tips for New Condo Owners Sign up for Homeowner 202 through the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA).	The free six-hour seminar is for new condo owners and people applying for financial help through the Boston Housing Center. They cover maintenance, condo management, and legal issues. They also discuss repairs, budgeting, and how to become a landlord. You can also get help qualifying for discounts through the HomeSafe program. You must be a graduate of Homebuying 101 and a current homeowner to apply.
How to Hire a Home Repair Contractor	The free workshop covers everything you need to know before you sign a contract. We discuss what questions you should ask and who to turn to if you run into trouble. We also offer general tips on home repair. The class is led by Julio Fuentes, the owner and operator of Construction Consulting.
Home Repair Programs Workshop	We help you find and qualify for home repair loans. Our loans are 0 percent interest, deferred loans for various types of repairs for one- to four-family homes in Boston. You must be within certain income guidelines.

Course for everyone

CLASS	MORE DETAILS
Budgeting for Homeownership: Before and After	The two-hour seminar helps you plan a budget for buying and maintaining your home. We recommend the class for graduates of the Homebuyer 101 course.
Credit Boot Camp	The six-hour seminar helps you create a plan to improve your credit. Learn how to repair and improve your credit score, and get rid of credit debt. We recommended this class for Homebuying 101 graduates.
Homebuyer Financing Programs Workshop	Find out about resources and services for buying a home. Our financial assistance program offers: 0 percent interest on a 10-year loan term up to 3 percent of the purchase price toward your downpayment and closing costs for one- to two-unit properties, and up to 5 percent of the purchase price for three-unit properties. You're eligible if you're a first-time homebuyer and will live in the home. The program is only for properties in Boston.
Meet the Lenders	Learn about the lending process and get in touch with our mortgage lending partners. Learn more about the session and our partners.