First time homebuyer classes offered in North Idaho

BOISE — A Finally Home! homebuyer education class will be offered in Sandpoint this summer.

An online course, in English and Spanish, is also accessible at www.ihfa.org/FinallyHomeOnlineCourse.

Class content covers issues including credit and budgeting, qualifying for a mortgage, choosing a real estate professional, making an offer and closing on a home. The Sandpoint class will be held from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on July 15 and 16.

This informative class, administered by the Idaho Partners for Home Buyer Education, Inc. (IPHBE, Inc.), is designed for first-time homebuyers or those interested in home-buying information. These classes are also accessible to Spanish speakers through a Spanish textbook, and a DVD course available for viewing at training partners around the state. The cost to attend the class or view the DVDs is $10 per person. The fee for the online course is $50, payable by Visa or MasterCard. For more information on the Finally Home!O program, including a complete schedule, visit www.finallyhomeidaho.com.

IPHBE, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that has joined with local partners in Idaho to offer Finally Home!O classes every month statewide. Graduates who complete the course and meet certain requirements may also be eligible for a grant of up to $20,000 for down payment or closing cost assistance through Idaho Housing and Finance Association.

"After completing this course, the prospective homebuyer will have the knowledge and confidence to make sound decisions about purchasing a home, as well as a better ability to negotiate the purchase price and financing of their future home," said program administrator Sue Pisani. "The class also meets an eligibility requirement for various grant programs."

More than 17,700 future Idaho homeowners have graduated from the program since its inception in 1999. More than 1,000 people have also registered to complete the course online.

All classes in the series must be completed to receive the certificate of achievement. Classes are subject to cancellation or rescheduling. All classes are held in provider's city, unless advised otherwise. Please call North Idaho College at (208) 769-3333 for registration information and location.

Information: www.FinallyHomeIdaho.com