The Home Center

Homebuyer Education Classes

The Home Center offers Homebuyer Education classes in Billings and in Hardin to teach potential homeowners about the process of purchasing a home. The successful completion of the class is often a requirement for many down-payment-assistance and loan programs.

This is a great program for both new and experienced home buyers and provides a good opportunity to become a more educated home buyer and homeowner. The class is taught by certified homeownership educators and other professionals from the community who provide presentations on a range of homeownership topics including:

• Budgeting for your household and determining affordability
• Understanding and evaluating your credit and how to use credit wisely
• Choosing a lender and understanding loan products, savings programs, and their terms
• Understanding the title insurance and closing process
• Working with a real estate agent who really grasps your needs and price range
• Understanding the scope and value of home inspections
• Choosing insurance policies
• Maintaining your home so it continues to be an appreciating asset

Registration: Advanced registration is required and opens approximately one month prior to the beginning date of class. To register, please reach out to Carrie Mikes at The Home Center, (406) 206-3416 or by email, [email protected].

Class Fee: $50 per household (non-refundable). Class fee and registration paperwork will be due the Monday prior to the class. Payment may be made at 7th North 31st Street, on the third floor. A $25 returned check fee, payable to HRDC7, will be charged for all returned checks, in addition to any bank fees.

Classroom Needs: If you have special needs such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act please let us know and we can make accommodations for you. Note: Our classroom is not suitable for children. Please make childcare arrangements.

Questions: Contact 406-206-3416.

Homebuyer Education classes are funded in part by Montana Housing, NeighborWorks Montana, and philanthropic donors.

Class Schedule

Location: 3124 1st Avenue North
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Contact: 406-206-3416 or [email protected]

2024 Dates:

• December 14

Financial Literacy Classes

The Home Center offers free Financial Education classes in Billings once a month. The purpose of the class is to teach individuals and families how to take charge of their financial life. This is a great program for anyone looking to become more educated about personal financial management. The class is taught by certified financial counselors and other professionals from the community who provide presentations on a range of homeownership topics including:

• Creating a budget that works
• Saving for future goals
• Evaluating your credit, rebuilding credit and using credit wisely
• Understanding taxes and insurance
• Avoiding pitfalls and consumer traps

Registration and Payment

Registration: Please call 406-206-2717 to register

Class Fee: Financial Education classes are free.

If you have special needs such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act please let us know and we can make accommodations for you. Note: Our classroom is not suitable for children. Please make childcare arrangements.

Questions: Contact 406-206-2717.

Class Schedule

Please call 406-206-2717 for class schedule.

You have two options for online homebuyer education: eHome America or Framework. While online education cannot replace the experience of an in-person class, both eHome America and Framework classes provide a comprehensive education on the homebuying journey.

In order to receive your homebuyer education class certificate of completion you will need to complete a one-on-one appointment with one of our HUD-certified housing counselors. This appointment can be done in person or over the phone and can generally be made to fit your schedule.

The content and topics are the same for both classes, but the delivery styles differ slightly. Feel free to choose the class that suits your learning style best. Both classes are HUD- certified, and both have adopted NeighborWorks America’s National Industry Standards.

If you still need advice on which course to take your lender may have a recommendation based on the loan products you are considering, or you may contact your local housing counselor for their perspective. Click HERE to find a counselor in your area.

Once you’ve registered and completed the course you will receive an email from Naomi Valentine at NeighborWorks Montana putting you in touch with the housing counselor in your area to complete your one-on-one counseling session.

Questions? – contact Naomi Valentine at (406) 604-4558 or by email at [email protected].