Get the home you want at a price you can afford by learning how to work
with the full range of homebuying professionals.
This six-week course takes you through the steps that give you the
practical skills and real information you need before you make the most
important purchase of your life.
Our classes are taught by bankers, realtors, inspectors, credit professionals,
attorneys and INHS staff.
Upcoming Classes
All classes are in the
Henry St. John Building in downtown Ithaca. Parking is free.
Classes meet weekly for six weeks from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
The next sessions are:
Session 1 - Wednesdays, 1/30/08 to 3/5/08
Session 2 - Tuesdays, 3/11/08 to 4/15/08
Session 3 - Wednesdays, 4/16/08 to 5/21/08
Session 4 - Tuesdays, 6/10/08 to 7/15/08
Session 5 - Tuesdays, 9/9/08 to 10/14/08
Session 5 - Wednesdays, 10/15/08 to 11/19/08
Subject
matter includes:
Week 1, Financial Management
- Analyze your current spending patterns.
- Set up an effective family savings plan.
- Determine your goals and create a plan to reach them.
- Develop a personal budget that works.
Week 2, Managing Credit
- Assess and enhance your credit-worthiness.
- Read, review, and analyze your own credit report.
- Discover how loan officers rate credit histories.
Week 3, Finding the Right Lender
- Evaluate different types of loans and their costs.
- Find special financing that will lower your down payment and monthly
payments.
- Unscramble lending's alphabet soup of terms like LTV, ARM, SONYMA.
- Understand front- and back-end ratios, credit scoring, and underwriting.
Week 4, Structural Inspection
- Learn about the importance of inspecting a house before you buy.
- Tour
an old house with a professional inspector.
-
Get an inspection that tells you everything you need to know about
the property.
-
Understand the critical elements of a structure.
-
Learn how an inspector's report can help you negotiate the best price.
Week 5, Working With A Realtor/The Best Insurance Protection
- Learn
the criteria that will help you select a real estate agent.
-
Ensure that your agent meets their responsibilities to you.
-
Benefit from the information in the Multiple Listing Service.
-
Become an effective negotiator.
Week 6,
The Attorney's Briefing
- Draft a purchase contract that maximizes your protection.
- Find the best attorney for you.
- Understand closing and the importance of critical documents.
Fees
Fees are $45.00 for the six week session. One fee covers attendance for
all members of a household. Partial scholarships are available.
How to Sign Up
Space in all classes is limited; pre-registration is necessary. Call INHS at (607) 277-4500 or e-mail Pam Webster at pwebster@ithacaNHS.org.
