City of New Bedford Office of Housing & Community Development
Home Buyer Education Page

 

Buying a home is a big decision, and it’s essential to be prepared before you start shopping. Home buying education classes can help you understand the process, from getting pre-approved for a mortgage to making an offer and closing the deal. Being educated can also help you avoid costly mistakes.

Home-buying education classes help you understand your finances and determine how much you can afford to spend on a home and how much you’ll need for a down payment. Classes can also teach you about common pitfalls to avoid, such as overpaying for a home or not getting a proper inspection. You will also learn about down payment assistance programs that are available to buyers who complete home-buying education classes. Remember, knowledge is power.

Finally, you’ll gain confidence. The more you know about the home-buying process, the more confident you’ll feel when you’re out there shopping for a home.

The Office of Housing & Community Development (OHCD) offers hybrid educational seminars that includes 4 online hours and 4 group class hours to potential first-time home buyers on the home buying process.

Our office holds home buying seminars five times a year.

Up Coming In-person Seminars Dates:

September 24, 2024, Online portion of seminar now open

November 19, 2024, Online portion of seminar opens 45 day before in-person seminar

Enrollment for the September 24th seminar is now, open please email OHCD@newbedford-ma.gov to receive an invitation to online portion and to start the homebuying education process. All you have to do is provide us with your name and current email address.

The OHCD Hybrid Seminar is 4 online hours and 4 group class hours. The cost $50** per person or household, which includes two (2) people.

**Class fee/registration is non-refundable/non-transferable

 

You must both complete the eHome America online portion of the seminar prior to attending the in-person portion of the seminar. Once you have completed the online portion, please contact by email OHCD@newbedford-ma.gov or call 508-979-1500 to confirm your attendance and receive additional information from our Office on the in-person session. The Homebuyer Certificate of completion with be emailed to participants once they have completed both the online and in-person seminar. Those who do not complete the eHome America portion prior to the seminar or they are unable to attend the in-person seminar will have wait until the next in-person seminar session to be held. Please note if you have a closing date already scheduled and the in-person class is not scheduled before your closing, please do not register for this class, you will not receive your certificate in time for your closing.