Homebuyer Education
JC Vision & Associates, Inc. offers housing education and counseling programs to assist consumers with pre- and post-homeownership topics. We offer this service through the internet, one-on-one counseling, and group workshop settings. Our group is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved housing counseling agency. Start a conversation about homebuyer education in Georgia.
Pre-Purchase and First-Time Homebuyer Education
STEP #1: If you are interested in buying a home, the first step is a credit review to make sure that your credit status is satisfactory. You will need to bring a copy your credit report to the home buying counseling session, and then the counselor will be able to review your credit history with you. You can obtain a credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com.
STEP #2: The next step is to assess your current financial situation, create a realistic budget to balance income with expenses, and determine how much home you can afford.
STEP #3: Finally, with our pre-purchase education options, you will receive a comprehensive education explaining the complete process of purchasing a home. Some of the topics of discussion will include choosing a real estate agent, finding a home, qualifying for a mortgage, inspection vs. appraisal, choosing a closing attorney, closing costs, escrow, choosing insurance and 2-10 warranty products, and post-purchase responsibilities.
Upon completion of the homebuyer education sessions, a certificate of participation will be issued. Upon completion of our education tools, you will be able to proceed with your home purchase and closing process with confidence. After your pre-purchase education, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Q: I am interested in receiving homebuyer education before I purchase a home. How do I get started?
A: We offer three options for receiving homebuyer education (also called Pre-Purchase and First-Time Homebuyers Education)
Option 1: Online Education with Follow-up Counseling: Upon completion of your online education, you will notify our office to request an appointment for a scheduled counseling session. The session can be conducted in person or on the telephone. At the conclusion of the counseling, the counselor will issue you a certificate of completion from both the web-training course and a Georgia Dream Home certificate of education completion. You will need to give a copy of the documents to your lender to prove completion of pre-purchase education. Timely certificate delivery is offered by email, fax, and postal mail or in person. Ask your representative about other services and home buying assistance.
Option 2: In-Person One-on-One Counseling: You will have the opportunity to have an individualized, confidential counseling session with a trained counselor. You will receive comprehensive education about the complete process of purchasing a home. The counselor will provide financial coaching to assist you in developing a realistic budget to identify your affordability level as you prepare to become a new and responsible homeowner. You will also have the opportunity to discuss your credit report and receive guidance on how to resolve any reporting discrepancies. Your Georgia Dream Certificate of education will be issued upon the completion of the session. There is a nominal fee for this service.
Option 3: Homebuyer Education Workshop: The classes are held every 3rd Saturday of the month, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The workshop will include an in-depth discussion about the complete process of purchasing a home. The counselor will provide financial coaching to assist you in developing a realistic budget to identify your affordability level as you prepare to become a new and responsible homeowner. Lunch will be provided at the workshop. In order to receive a certificate of completion, the attendee must attend the entire workshop. There will be a sign-in sheet to validate attendance. There is a nominal fee for this service.
Q: Does the homebuyer education certificate of completion expire?
A: Homebuyer education guidance requirements expire within 365 days of completion of the education internet course, individual counseling, or workshop. If your certificate expires one year after the completion of the education, you must complete the program again via any of the available options.
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