NWBRV’s HomeOwnership Center (HOC) is looking forward to another fabulous year, as we continue to provide Northern Rhode Islanders with an all encompassing, one-stop-shop for financial literacy, homeownership education and coaching.
Particularly devoted to supporting and expanding the homeownership rates for people of color, the HOC has supported Rhode Island residents in debt reduction, meeting savings goals, repairing credit, mitigating foreclosure, and achieving the goal of home ownership since 1997. A mission-driven organization, NeighborWorks America is dedicated to creating opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities. A huge component of this mission for NWBRV in 2023, will be our HomeOwnership Classes.
A combination of Homebuyer and Landlord classes, our program will offer educational opportunities on Saturdays for the foreseeable future. Landlord classes will be offered on the first Saturday of each month for $75, with first time homebuyer classes offered on the second and third Saturdays of the month for $99. In addition, our online E-Home America classes will also be conveniently available at a cost of $149.
“After completing the courses you will receive a Homebuyer certificate that is valid for two years!” explained NWBRV Homeownership Center Manager, Rosalind Mitchell. “Most lenders suggest that you take both the landlord and homebuyer courses, but a landlord certificate is only required if you’re purchasing a multifamily dwelling of two to four family units. If you qualify based on income and location (Providence, Woonsocket, Cranston, Pawtucket, Warwick or Central Falls), you may also be eligible for down payment and closing cost assistance programs.”
The Washington Trust Company along with some loan programs requires the first-time homebuyer course in-person or online because we’ve found a connection between education and foreclosure prevention. In short, the more home buyers know about the way mortgages work — interest rates, mortgage insurance, home equity, for example — the less likely they are to default. Fortunately, first-time homebuyers wade through all this information and become better prepared to make an informed purchase after taking the first-time homebuyer class.
Rosa M. Pastor, Community Lending Officer, The Washington Trust Company
To sign up for these exceptionally helpful classes, please go to https://neighborworksbrv.force.com/nwbrvcft/. For additional information, please contact Rosalind Mitchell at 401-762-0993, ext. 210 or rmitchell@neighborworksbrv.org.
