We just finished our second First Time Home Buyer Education Series of three trainings offered each year. With a full class of aspiring homeowners, workshop instructor Sarah Robinson (Robinson Financial Solutions) and a line-up of expert guest presenters provided them with valuable information to consider when buying their first homes. Topics ranged from credit health and budgeting to the mortgage process and finding the right home. Home inspection, insurance protection, home energy audits and ongoing home ownership rounded out the education. Andrea Aldana, the CDP's Education & Administrative Manager, and coordinator of the class, said,"The First Time Home Buyer workshop arms prospective homeowners with the tools they need to make informed decisions. Participants enter the workshop at various levels of knowledge in the homeownership process and leave knowing what they can afford to borrow, where to go for support and how they can advocate for themselves." They also receive a Certificate of Completion, enabling them to access affordable mortgage products.

And the series is a true community collaboration. The guest speakers, from various industries, volunteer their time to educate class participants. The workshop is supported by the generosity of sponsor Seamen's Bank . If you're interested in participating, or know someone who could benefit, our next class is in April (see below). But don't wait too long, as this class fills up fast!  

"I came with zero knowledge in the home buying and this class took away the 'scary complicated' stigma I had towards it."   (First Time Home Buyer class participant)