Because a home is the biggest purchase most people will make in their lives, it stands to reason that taking a homebuyer education course is a smart move. Most courses offer important information for first-time homebuyers and seasoned buyers alike. Thankfully, these can typically be completed in less than an hour for an online version, and in a matter of hours in a classroom setting. That’s a great cost/benefit ratio given that a buyer can save lots of money and time as they head down the path to homeownership.
These courses are required by down payment assistance programs like Home Is Possible in Nevada. The reason for the requirement: Program administrators, like the Nevada Housing Division (NHD), are focused on setting homebuyers up for success. Education is one way to accomplish this. Many experts recommend that homebuyers who don’t take advantage of homebuyer programs should still take a course even though they’re not required to do so.
From Preapproval To Closing
Do you know the difference between prequalification and preapproval? Do you happen to know your credit score, and why it matters? What about smart house shopping strategies? Or the steps necessary to secure a mortgage? It’s a lot to take on, even with a mortgage lender and/or real estate professional by your side. Getting a handle on the big picture along with some important details before you even begin your homebuying adventure is a lot easier with a homebuyer education course under your belt.
For Nevada homebuyers, NHD, administrators for the Home Is Possible family of homebuyer programs, has approved 12 online courses that meet their homebuyer education requirement. One is free: their in-house-developed education course. It’s available in English and Spanish, and provides insight and guidance from Nevada mortgage and real estate professionals.
The NHD course includes five short videos on the following topics:
1. Financially Preparing For Homeownership – Nick Serrano/Susana Alcala
2. Obtaining A Mortgage – Sam Britt/Jorge Montoya
3. Home Is Possible – CJ Manthe/Juan Segura
4. Shopping For A Home – Angelica Reyes/Juan Segura
5. The Closing Process – Mark Ashworth/Alice Escalante
Some folks learn better in a more structured learning environment with live interaction. In-person classes are occasionally offered through NHD and other organizations. Some classes in Nevada are posted here.
Sounds Good. Now What?
Any time is a good time for some homebuyer education, but certainly the earlier in the process, the better. For those who need an education course in order to meet program requirements, like the requirement for Home Is Possible, course certification is good for one year from completion.
With online courses and easy-to-watch videos, the homebuyer education process has never been more accessible for Nevada homebuyers looking to get smarter, and fast. Nevada Housing Division is a great place to get started.
