Buying a home is exciting, but figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. How much home can you afford? What type of mortgage should you choose? How does down payment assistance work? And what actually happens at closing?
The NHS Baltimore Homebuyer Education Workshop is designed to answer these questions and help you understand the homebuying process before you make one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.
Whether you’re planning to buy soon or simply want to understand what it takes to become a homeowner, here’s what you can expect when you attend an NHS workshop.
You’ll Learn the Homebuying Process from Start to Finish
You don’t need to walk into the workshop already knowing how mortgages, down payment assistance, or closing costs work. That’s what the class is for.
During the workshop, NHS housing professionals walk you through the major stages of buying a home and explain what you should know before moving forward.
You’ll learn about topics including:
- Preparing financially for homeownership
- Understanding common real estate and mortgage terms
- Finding a home that fits your budget
- Choosing a mortgage lender
- Exploring Baltimore down payment assistance programs
- Understanding what happens during the closing process
- Preparing for the responsibilities of owning and maintaining a home
The goal is for you to leave with a clearer understanding of what to expect and what steps you need to take next.
You’ll Get a Better Understanding of What You Can Afford
Buying a home isn’t just about qualifying for a mortgage. It’s also about choosing a home and monthly payment that work for your household over the long term.
The workshop helps you think beyond the purchase price by covering expenses that come with homeownership and the importance of creating a realistic budget.
If you’re not financially ready to purchase yet, NHS also offers Financial Coaching to help you work on areas such as credit, savings, budgeting, and financial goals.
You’ll leave better prepared to ask questions, compare your options, and make informed financial decisions throughout the buying process.
You’ll Learn About Mortgage Options
Understanding how you’re going to finance your home is an important part of the process.
During Homebuyer Education, you’ll learn about mortgages, lenders, and some of the factors that determine how much you may be able to borrow.
When you’re ready to explore financing, NHS also offers NHS Mortgage designed to help eligible homebuyers purchase a home.
You’ll Learn What Happens Before —and After— Closing
Finding a house is only one part of becoming a homeowner.
The workshop helps you understand what happens as you move toward closing, including working with lenders and real estate professionals, preparing documentation, and understanding the costs and responsibilities associated with purchasing a home. You’ll also learn about protecting your investment after you receive the keys, including planning for home maintenance and the ongoing costs of homeownership.
Choose a Workshop Format That Works for You
NHS Baltimore offers several ways to complete Homebuyer Education, making it easier to choose an option that fits your schedule.
Depending on availability, options include:
Saturday Workshop: Complete the workshop in one six-hour session.
Thursday Evening Workshop: Complete the workshop over two three-hour evening sessions.
In-Person Workshop: Attend a six-hour instructor-led session.
Online Self-Paced Course: Complete the coursework on your own schedule from home.
What Happens After the Workshop?
Your homebuyer education doesn’t have to be the end of your support from NHS.
After completing a HUD-approved Homebuyer Education Workshop, you can meet one-on-one with an NHS Homeownership Advisor for personalized guidance based on your financial situation and homeownership goals.
Your advisor can help you review your credit, savings, and financial readiness; develop a personalized action plan; explore mortgage options; connect with local down payment assistance programs; and prepare for pre-approval and closing.
Ready to Learn How to Buy a Home?
You don’t have to figure out the homebuying process on your own. Start by building the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and prepare for successful homeownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an NHS Homebuyer Education Workshop?
The NHS Homebuyer Education Workshop is a HUD-approved course designed to help future homebuyers understand the homebuying process. Topics include budgeting, mortgage options, down payment assistance, choosing a lender, closing, and preparing for long-term homeownership.
How long is the workshop?
NHS offers multiple formats. You can complete a six-hour Saturday workshop, attend two three-hour Thursday evening sessions, participate in a six-hour in-person workshop, or choose the online self-paced option.
Is the NHS Homebuyer Education Workshop free?
NHS Baltimore’s live virtual and in-person Homebuyer Education Workshops are free. A self-paced online option is also available for a fee.
Do I need to be ready to buy a house before taking the homebuyers education workshop?
No. The workshop can be valuable even if you’re still preparing for homeownership. Learning about the process early can help you understand your finances, available programs, and the steps you’ll need to take before purchasing.
If you need additional time to work on your financial readiness, NHS Financial Coaching Program can help you develop a plan.
Do I need Homebuyer Education to qualify for down payment assistance?
Many down payment assistance programs require homebuyer education and counseling, but requirements vary by program. Visit our Down Payment Assistance programs to learn more about available programs and their eligibility requirements.
Will I receive my Homebuyer Education Certificate after the workshop?
To receive your NHS Homebuyer Education Certificate, you must complete the required Homebuyer Education Workshop, one-on-one counseling, and financial coaching (if needed). The certificate is required by many down payment assistance programs.
What happens after I complete the workshop?
After completing Homebuyer Education, you can work one-on-one with an NHS Homeownership Advisor. Your advisor can help you assess your financial readiness, develop an action plan, explore mortgage and down payment assistance options, and prepare for pre-approval and closing.
Does NHS Baltimore offer mortgages?
Yes. NHS offers mortgage options for eligible homebuyers. You can explore NHS Mortgage to learn more about available financing and eligibility.
How do I register for a homebuyers education workshop?
Visit the NHS Homebuyer Education Workshop page to view upcoming workshops and choose the session that works best for you.
About NHS Baltimore
Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore (NHS Baltimore) is a community-based CDFI nonprofit with more than 50 years of experience supporting sustainable homeownership and housing stability for Baltimore City residents. Through HUD-certified homebuyer education, one-on-one counseling, locally tailored lending, and neighborhood reinvestment, NHS Baltimore provides trusted guidance rooted in real-world housing practice.