The first step of the Home Ready Program is enrollment in one of the DCHA First Time Homebuyer (FTHB) courses. The workshops cover the ABCs of home buying including such topics as:
- The advantages and disadvantages of homeownership
- Proper preparation: Assessing and understanding your financial situation
- Credit assessment and overcoming obstacles
- The role of the lender: understanding the loan approval process
- Working with real estate agents
- The role of the home inspector
- Closing the transaction/rights & responsibilities of a homeowner
Here are some of our current classes:
Download the full 2010 list here
Pre-Purchase Education – First Time Homebuyer Courses
This program is a comprehensive two-part series geared to first time homebuyers and what it takes to become mortgage-ready including budgeting and credit, working with real estate agents, homeowners insurance, home inspections and more. You will hear from and have opportunities to ask questions of practitioners in the lending, real estate, insurance, home inspection and not-for-profit industries.
By completing this informative 6-hour course you will earn a Pre-Purchase Education Certificate, which may enable you to get down payment assistance from community programs in the Dane County area. To register, call 224-3636 x20.
All First Time Homebuyer courses are held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Dane County Housing Authority, 2001 W. Broadway, Monona (next to McDonalds at South Towne Mall). All courses are free of charge and open to the public. Advance registration is required.
Classes:
First Time Homebuyer Courses
| First Quarter Dates | Second Quarter Dates | Third Quarter Dates | Fourth Quarter Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 16 and 23 | April 6 and 13 | June 8 and 15 | September 14 and 21 |
| March 9 and 16 | April 20 and 27 | July 13 and 20 | October 5 and 12 |
| May 4 and 11 | Aug. 10 and 17 | November 9 and 16 | |
 May 22* |
Sept. 25* |
* New Saturday options! Will be held from 8:30 am to 3 pm, at DCHA. Call 224-3636 x20 to register.
Post-Purchase Maintenance Courses
Now you are a homeowner and responsible for the upkeep of your home. Are you overwhelmed? Having trouble determining which projects to tackle first? The Post Purchase Maintenance Courses are designed to illustrate and teach you how to maintain the interior and exterior of your home including Do's and Don'ts, Tell Tale Signs, instruction and helpful websites. A licensed home inspector will share the tips and tools of the trade. Prizes, giveaways and more! To register, call 608-246-3737.
Home Maintenance Courses
| Course | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weatherizing Your Home | Wed., Feb. 24 | 6-8 pm | Project Home |
| Eliminating Ice Dams | Wed.,March 10 | 6-8 pm | Project Home |
| Eliminating Water & Mold | Tue.,March 23 | 6-8 pm | Project Home |
| Homebuyer Fair | Sat., March 20 | 8:30 am- 3 pm | Alliant Energy Center |
| Basic Plumbing Repair | Wed., April 7 | 6-8 pm | Project Home |
| Spring Home Maintenance Tasks | Wed., May 12 | 6-7:30 pm | Project Home |
| Understanding House Systems & Basic Tools | Tues., May 18 | 6-8 pm | Project Home |
| Weatherizing Your Home | Wed., Sept. 1 | 1-2:30 pm | Monroe, WI Public Library |
| Fall Home Maintenance Tasks | Wed., Oct. 13 | 6-7:30 pm | Project Home |
| Weatherizing Your Home | Tue., Oct. 26 | 6-8 pm | Project Home |
| Eliminating Water & Mold | Wed., Nov. 10 | 6-8 pm | Project Home |
| Eliminating Ice Dams | Wed., Nov. 17 | 6-8 pm | Project Home |
