The Nuts and Bolts of Buying a Home

In this workshop we’ll cover:

-Costs involved with buying a home

-The homebuying process

-Loan affordability

-Mortgage payments and interest calculations

-First time homebuyer assistance programs

**As of August 1, 2019, anyone starting the certification process or re-certification process (re-certifying after two or more years) will have to attend a 2-hour orientation in addition to the 6 hours of workshops. The orientation can be taken at any location in the city, and should be done prior to attending any of the supplemental workshops. For more information, please refer to HomeownershipSF.

This workshop is open to all, but can also help you obtain the Certificate of Completion of Homebuyer Education for the Mayor’s Office of Housing. In order to receive your certificate, you must complete the following:

Nuts & Bolts of Buying A Home (4 hour workshop)

You must also attend ONE of the following:

Budgeting & Savings (2 hours) OR Managing Credit & Debt (2 hours)

**Once you have completed your 8 hours of workshops you can set up your required 1:1 counseling appointment to complete your education requirement. You can schedule your counseling appointment by emailing us at [email protected].

FAQ

Are the workshops free?
Yes! The Center does not charge a fee for homebuyer education workshops. If you would like to make a donation to The SF LGBT Center you can do so through our donor webpage.

The workshop is full. What do I do?
We often have no-shows and encourage participants to still attend workshops if they’re not registered. If you’re unable to register, we recommend arriving to the workshop at least 10 minutes early to add your name to the waitlist. Individuals on the waitlist will be admitted on a first-come-first-served basis until space is full.

Are your workshops in English only?
Yes. To find an agency offering workshops in another language please visit Homeownership SF. Attending workshops in a language in which you are fluent is highly recommended. For those who wish to attend our workshops but do not speak English, we recommend being accompanied by an English-speaking person who can provide translation.

Is there parking available for your workshops?
Street parking is extremely limited and most parking is metered. The nearest parking garage is located at 14th street and Valencia for a fee of $15 per day. The SF LGBT Center is accessible by MUNI J,K,L,M,N or F, and bus lines 6,7,61 and 71.

Can I attend your workshops even if I’m not interested in buying a BMR?
Yes! We encourage you to attend as many workshops as you would like. The information discussed in these workshops can be useful for anyone who plans to buy a home or would like to better manage their finances.

Where can I find more info about the BMR homebuyer program?
The Mayor’s office of Housing and Community Development provides information about BMR programs on its website. We also recommend that all homebuyers read the Inclusionary Affordable Housing Manualwhich outlines all BMR rental and homebuyer program policies.

How long is my Homebuyer Education Certificate good for?
Your certificate is good for one year, but you can request to have it renewed for an additional year by emailing [email protected]. Homebuyer workshops and 1:1 counseling must be completed every two years.