Homebuying process is no longer a mystery for those in housing course that teaches what to expect

Matthew Montgomery says he likely wouldn’t live in the home he does today without the help of the Neighborhood Housing Partnership of Greater Springfield.

Montgomery and his fiancée, Ariel Colvin, had been renting their Springfield home for several years when they learned that their landlord wanted to sell. Their real estate agent recommended the first-time homebuyers enroll in NHP’s homebuyer education course.

“Without them, I just know this process would have been ten-times harder,” says Montgomery, 33.

The couple is one of more than 2,000 households that have completed the course that “demystifies the home-buying process,” according to Rachel Goff, a housing counselor at NHP.

With rapidly changing interest rates and fluctuating home prices, buying a home can be confusing and stressful, Goff says. These classes help active first-time homebuyers, renters, and those who are thinking about purchasing a home within the next several years avoid many of the pitfalls.

“Becoming informed with the latest information is crucial for first-time homebuyers when navigating this complex process,” she says.

Montgomery and Colvin took the classes in November 2022 and less than a year later purchased the home they had been renting for their family. NHP patiently answered his many questions, advised them, and helped them to better understand the purchasing process. The NHP staff truly cares about getting people into their own homes, Montgomery says, and he is happy his children have a home to call their own.

“It means everything to me,” he says.

The $50 three-class series meets every month from 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays online or at 629 S. Center St. The next in-person classes will take place Feb. 6, 13, and 20, and the next online classes are scheduled for March 5, 12, 19. Future dates also are available, as well as scholarships for income-eligible Clark County households.

“Not only does the class educate and empower homebuyers, but many down-payment assistance programs and some mortgage loans require homebuyer education from a certified non-profit,” Goff says.

The classes cover many topics, including the steps to take, credit, budgeting, working with a lender, types of loans, putting an offer on a home, and home maintenance.

Students who attend the class also can meet with a certified housing counselor for free in order to discuss their situation and form a plan, Goff says. 

NHP is a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to increasing and preserving homeownership, promoting the development and rehabilitation of housing, and supporting vibrant, healthy neighborhoods. Register for Neighborhood Housing Partnership’s homebuyer education course by calling 937-322-4623, or email [email protected] with the enrollee’s name, address, and phone number. 

For more on this program please click here.