Homebuyer Education

HomeSight proudly offers education aligned with current topics in a rapidly changing industry throughout the year. Our program includes the following: The HomeSight Program Class, and The Basics of Homeownership Workshop, and a Financial Assessment.

The HomeSight Program: An Introduction to Home Financing and Purchase Assistance

This 1.5 hour class provides attendees with general information about obtaining a home and about our purchase assistance programs, buyer affordability and qualifying criteria. Those wishing to continue the curriculum will want to fill out a Counseling Intake Packet and schedule a Financial Assessment with one of our counselors.

The Basics of Homeownership: Credit, Finance, Home Selection, Escrow and Closing

This workshop is offered every month and is the FINAL step in our education process! This class is 6 hours over 1 day and covers important first-time homebuyer topics: Financial Basics, Financing a Home, Neighborhood and Community Maintenance and Mortgage Default Prevention.

1. Financial Basics: (2 hrs): The objective of this section is to increase participants' financial awareness so that they may be better able to make sound financial decisions, particularly regarding the home purchase process. Topics include: housing affordability , developing a budget, budgeting and saving tips, understanding credit and how to protect your credit.

2. Financing a Home (2 hrs): This section's objective is to increase attendee familiarity with various lending programs as well as the legal documents of the home purchase process Topics include: different types of mortgage loans, qualifying for a home loan, legal document review (purchase and sale agreements, notes, deeds of trust, and title reports), home loan closing process (settlement procedures and Predatory loans and how to avoid them.

3. Home, Neighborhood & Community Maintenance (1 hr): This section’s objective is to provide attendees with valuable information regarding the maintenance responsibilities of home ownership. Topics include: home inspections as a maintenance guide, an overview of the systems that make up your home, handling home emergencies, preserving the long-term value of your home, seasonal maintenance tips, and maintenance resources for the new home owner.

4. Mortgage Default Prevention (1/2 hr): Learn what to do if you lose your job or some other catastrophic event keeps you from making your mortgage payments. Become familiar with programs available that can help you avoid foreclosure.

Financial Assessment

After you have completed our introductory class, The HomeSight Program, part of HomeSight's Homebuyer Education services, you will have the opportunity to meet with one of our counselors to do a personal Financial Assessment. You can schedule your appointment immediately after class or call HomeSight at (206) 723-4355 to schedule an appointment.

We require all parties purchasing the home attend this meeting, fill out a HomeSight Counseling Application form, and provide the required documents.

At your Assessment, your counselor will order a three-bureau credit report and determine your credit standing. All documents are reviewed, affordability determined, purchase assistance eligibility determined, and home buyer and credit action plans are created (plans vary according to applicant needs). The initial appointment is approximately 1.5 hours, follow-ups may vary. There is a fee for the tri-merge credit report. If your are ready to purchase, we can prequalify you at this meeting.

If necessary, your counselor will monitor your monthly progress towards completion of the home buyer action plan.

Next, you will be ready to take The Basics of Homeownership.

Children are welcome to attend your counseling sessions