Homebuyer Education

Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity requires all prospective homeowners to attend trainings in an effort to better prepare them for the complexities and challenges of homeownership. Homebuyers are expected to attend 8 trainings before closing on their home. Homebuyers are welcome to repeat a training anytime before or after moving into their home.

Training Descriptions

Habitat for Humanity: A Lifetime of Partnership provides an organizational overview to Habitat for Humanity and answers your questions about the entire process of buying a home with Habitat from start to finish, including sweat equity, trainings, and post-purchase support.

Habitat, Publicity, and You teaches Habitat homebuyers how to deal with the media attention that often accompanies building a home with Habitat for Humanity. Attendees will learn how to answer questions from reporters and help spread the word about Habitat in the community.

Money Management I and II teach budgeting and sound spending decisions as key to successful home ownership. You will learn how to develop a realistic budget that fits your lifestyle, how to improve or maintain your credit rating, how to avoid the pitfalls of credit cards and other high-interest loans, and ways of stretching your income to meet monthly and unexpected expenses when they arise. You will also cover a variety of topics related to long-term financial planning.

Being a Good Neighbor class focuses on the resources and skills necessary to becoming a successful and effective member of your new community and block. Information covered includes city ordinances regarding your physical property, neighborly conduct, block club information, conflict resolution, and safety information about protecting your home and family.

Caring for the Environment class emphasizes Habitat's commitment to minimizing our impact on the world around us, and offers practical suggestions for families to care for the environment. Listen for ways to save money by choosing to be environmentally friendly.

How Your House Works teaches first-time homebuyers how to perform basic maintenance on their new home. Attendees will learn about maintenance issues such as plumbing, electrical work, seasonal maintenance, and basic home repairs. Instruction will include time in a classroom setting as well as hands-on demonstrations. This class is intended to help you become more self-sufficient in caring for your new house.

Warranty and Repairs discusses warranty issue and who to call when you have a home maintenance related problem. This training also teaches basic home repairs.

Landscaping Your Yard gives you practical tips on lawn care, planting and maintaining flowers, shrubs, trees or a garden. You will also learn the importance of maintaining your yard and maintaining the appearance of your home.

Home Safety training looks at common household products that can be a danger to you and your family, along with information about lead poisoning, fire safety and instructions from the Poison Control Center. This class also discusses crime prevention in your neighborhood.

Mortgages and Ownership prepares you to be a new homeowner by explaining mortgage documents, utility transfers and the Central Minnesota Habitat warranty policy. It also introduces you to the new financial responsibilities you will have as a homeowner such as property taxes and homeowner's insurance.

Living in an Association training explains the unique benefits and responsibilities of owning a home in an association. You will learn why your home is in an association and some key terms that you should know as you explore the documents that govern your association. This training will also include discussion and activities centered on the responsibilities and roles of members in a community association.