Unlock Homeownership with Columbia Cascade Housing Corp's In-Depth Homebuyer Classes
Learn how to turn your dream of owning a home into a reality with homebuyer education classes.
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By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, Ore., Decemeber 6, 2023 –For many, the American dream of homeownership seems just out of reach. However, Columbia Cascade Housing Corp (CCHC) in partnership with Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is shining a light on the path to purchasing a home with their comprehensive Homebuyer Education Classes. Established in 2008, these classes have been key in empowering countless residents with the tools and knowledge to navigate the real estate market with confidence.
Classes That Build Confidence and Clarity
CCHC’s newly announced 2024 schedule continues their mission of offering resources for homeowners and renters by educating the community on the nuances of homebuying. From budgeting to closing, participants gain insights into every step of the process, making the dream of owning a home an attainable reality.
Taught by certified CCHC staff in both English and in Spanish and available on zoom through Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC), the classes are designed to educate and instill confidence in potential homeowners. The courses cover a comprehensive range of topics, including financial preparation, understanding mortgages, and navigating the home purchase process.
Salvador Cruz Perez is proud of this local effort to get clients connected to the housing resources they need to be successful.
"One of the largest hurdles to homeownership is often a lack of knowledge," said David Peters, Housing Center Manager. "Our classes provide a road map for what can be an intimidating journey, breaking down the steps into manageable and understandable segments."
"Understanding the homebuying process demystifies and reduces the anxiety of purchasing a home," said Salvador Cruz Perez, Housing Resource Center Associate. "We're proud to offer this roadmap to homeownership, transforming uncertainty into empowerment in Spanish as well as English."
The Advantages of Homeownership
Homeownership comes with tangible benefits: building equity, having personal control of your own space, and enjoying the stability and tax advantages it provides. Yet, CCHC is candid about the responsibilities that accompany owning a home, emphasizing a realistic approach to this significant life decision. After all, owning a home is not a possibility for everyone. Generally mortgage payments cost more than rent and if something breaks in the home, the homeowner is responsible for getting it fixed. Homebuyer education classes can help you weigh the benefits, and limitations, and determine if buying a home is right for you.
Why Enroll?
The reasons to enroll in these classes are clear and impactful:
You'll gain a deep understanding of the homebuying landscape.
Participants are statistically less likely to default on their mortgages.
Completion is a prerequisite for many affordable housing programs.
You'll discover potential financial assistance and special loan programs.
Participants of the program can look forward to learning how to identifying their housing needs,, understanding lenders and get mortgage-ready, understanding mortgage terms, types of mortgages and shopping for loans, assessing housing stock, selecting the right home, and working with a real estate agents, the closing process, and how to protect your home investment.
"Owning a home is part of the American Dream, but it's not without its challenges," said Peters "This is why our classes not only raise interest in homeownership but also help potential buyers to critically evaluate if it's the right choice for them."
Inclusive and Accessible Education
CCHC’s classes are designed to be as inclusive as possible, with classes available in English and in Spanish. And in the spirit of fostering accessibility, the classes are priced at just $30 per household, with full scholarship opportunities available to those in need.
Support Both In and Outside of the Classroom
The CHCC also provides additional personalized assistance, acknowledging that every home buyer's journey is unique. Their staff offers support throughout the buying process, including referrals to agencies offering further assistance.
The 2024 Class Schedule: A Year of Opportunities
The 2024 class schedule promises a year of opportunities to delve into the critical aspects of homebuying. Sessions are held at various CGCC campuses and each class is a full-day session, that runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., ensuring an in-depth exploration of all pertinent topics. Pre-registration is required, and all classes are available online to accommodate various needs.
January 13th TD (The Dalles) Campus
* February 10th- HR (Hood River) Campus
*March 16th-TD Campus
April 13th-HR Campus
May 11th-TD Campus
*May 18th-HR Campus
*June 8th-TD Campus
June 15th-HR Campus
July 13th-TD Campus
*August 10th-HR Campus
*September 14th-TD Campus
October 19th-HR Campus
November 16th-TD Campus
* December 7th-TD Campus
*Classes taught in Spanish.
With the motto "What We Do Matters!" CCHC hopes to make 2024 another year of equipping potential homeowners with the knowledge they need to pursue their dreams.
Prospective homebuyers in The Dalles, Oregon, and beyond are encouraged to seize this valuable opportunity to turn their homeownership aspirations into reality.
For more information visit https://www.columbiacascadehousingcorp.org/home-buyer-classes or to register for the next class, please visit CGCC's registration page or contact the Columbia Gorge Community College by calling 541-506-6011.
