Classes & Benefits

hoMEworks homebuyer education classes provide an opportunity to learn about the home buying process in a neutral environment. Buyers who have taken home buying classes are more confident when asking questions and making decisions about homeownership and loan products. Education gives buyers the tools they need to avoid predatory lending and possible foreclosure.

If you are thinking of buying a home, plan to attend a hoMEworks class in person at one of several convenient locations statewide, or complete your homebuyer education on line. We believe face-to-face homebuyer education is the best opportunity for an interactive learning experience and attending a local class should always be your first choice.

Homebuyer Education - Local, live classes

hoMEworks offers an 8-hour homebuyer education class taught by industry professionals (lenders, home inspectors, real estate agents) in an educational, non-sales oriented environment statewide.

Landlord Education

The Landlord Education seminar, designed for those owning and managing residental properties, covers a variety of topics ranging from tenant application to eviction. MaineHousing and Fair Housing topics are included. These classes are not hoMEworks approved.

Homebuyer Education - eHome America Online Course

If you are unable to attend an in-person class, hoMEworks also has partnered with eHome America to offer a fee-based online certification course. hoMEworks believes face-to-face learning offers the added benefit of interactive discussion with industry experts who can answer your unique questions and that attending a live home buyer education class should always be your first choice.  

If your lender or mortgage assistance program requires that you attend a "HUD approved" home buyer education class, the eHome America online course may not be acceptable. Please check with your lender to find out which classes are allowed.

The eHomeAmerica online course takes 6 to 10 hours. You may stop and start at any time. Short quizzes will verify your understanding of key information. There is a test at the end, which you will need to pass to receive a certificate of completion.

Select a hoMEworks Educator when registering for the eHomeAmerica’s Online Course.   
Upon completion of the eHomeAmerica course, the Educator will contact you and provide information about local, state and   federal homeownership programs before issuing the "Certificate of Home Buyer Education".  The information will be delivered either in a 1-hour face-to-face session or 1-hour telephone session.      

The eHomeAmerica online course may not be acceptable for all loan programs.   
Some loan programs require a “HUD-approved” or in-person classroom training.  Be sure to contact the organization offering the loan program you're interested in to determine the specific homeownership education qualification requirements. 

 Completion of a hoMEworks in-person class or eHomeAmerica online course is acceptable if you’re applying for a MaineHousing mortgage with the Advantage option.
If you're buying a house with your spouse or another person who will legally share the financial responsibility for making mortgage payments, then both of you must complete a class prior to loan closing.  If completing the eHomeAmerica online course, each must obtain their own certificate.