Homebuyer Education
& Pre-Purchase Counseling
Are you considering buying a home?
Addison, Bennington, or Rutland Counties
The fee for the Homebuyer Education class is $99 per household.
To register for a course, please contact us at 802.438.2303.
This program will provide you with the foundation needed to enable you to attain, maintain, and sustain homeownership.
2026 Homebuyer Education Class Schedule (1)Purchasing your first home can be a stressful and complicated process and we are to help guide you through that process, so you can reach your goal.
For a list of courses click below.
1. Steps for the Program
To Register and pay for one of these classes call 802-438-2303.
2. After Class Has Been Completed
You will get a congratulations email with next steps – If you did not receive a Congratulations email, reach out to us at 802-438-2303.
Provide requested documents listed in your email for your “Free” One-on-one counseling session with a HUD Certified Housing Counselor
Schedule your appointment-Your housing counselor will help you create a personalized action plan to reach your housing goal, determine grant eligibility, discuss affordability, and answer your specific homebuying questions. The Housing Counselor will go over your credit, savings, spending, and income to aid in your success, and prepare you for approval for any down payment assistance or mortgages that you may qualify for.
Your Housing Counselor will schedule as many follow-up appointments with you as you need until you have reached your goal.
PLEASE NOTE: If you do not live in Rutland, Addison or Bennington Counties OR if you are not planning to purchase in one of these counties, please contact the appropriate counseling agency:
Champlain Housing Trust
Chittenden, Franklin & Grand Isle Counties
Rural Edge
Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties
Downstreet Housing & Community Development
Lamoille, Orange and Washington Counties
Windham & Windsor Housing Trust
Windham and Windsor Counties
NeighborWorks offers alternatives for individuals with Limited English Proficiencies, mobility, visual, hearing impairments or other disabilities. Please contact us at 802-438-2303 or [email protected] for more information
If you feel you cannot afford this fee, please contact us to see if you qualify for a waiver.
Sign Up For
In-Person Classes
If you are interested in signing up for a Homebuyer Education class, please follow the directions to create an account in NeighborWorks Compass and then call 802-438-2303 to enroll today!
Sign Up For
Self-paced Online eHome Class
For online participants there is a required one-hour meeting with the homeownership counselor.
Per Household
Class Fee: $99
The class fee is $99.00 per household for EACH in-person. Fee includes: workbook, informational materials, and your personal credit report (received at later appointment). We are unable to waive the workshop fee.
Homebuyer Education Topics
• Your readiness to buy
• Budgeting & Credit
• Shopping for a home
• Getting a mortgage
• Home inspections & insurance
• Life after closing
• Information about grants, subsidies, and special loan products
Lenders that offer discounts for Homebuyer Education graduates
- EastRise Credit Union: waives their $495 processing fee
- NBT Bank: offers $250 to Homebuyer Education graduates towards closing costs
- PrimeLending: offers $250 of the closing costs to borrowers who present an official NeighborWorks of Western Vermont Homebuyer Education Certificate on standard USDA loans (but not if the borrower is using the VHFA with USDA).
- Northeast Home Loan: offers a $250 credit to first-time homebuyers that complete Homebuyer Education for Home Possible Loans
- Bank of Bennington: offers a $250 discount off from the appraisal for graduates of Homebuyer Education (contingent upon home purchase within year).
- M&T Bank: offers a $500 discount off closing costs for Homebuyer Education graduates
Contact NeighborWorks
Are you interested in talking with a NeighborWorks of Western Vermont representative about our classes? Contact us to find out which class is appropriate for you.