Education is the Key to Successful Homeownership

Purchasing a home may be one of the most significant decisions an individual or couple may ever make, and navigating today’s housing market can seem impossible. Homeownership education is the single most effective tool for achieving successful homeownership. 

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HomeStretch

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An excellent opportunity for first-time homebuyers in Carver County is HomeStretch, an eight-hour homebuyer education course. HomeStretch is required to qualify for many down payment assistance programs or other special mortgage loans, such as:

  • Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA)
  • Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac (FNMA & FHLMC)
  • Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
  • Rural Development (formerly Farmers Home Administration)
  • Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corp. (MGIC)
  • PMI Mortgage Corp.

Search for upcoming Homebuyer Education Classes here.

What You Will Learn

  • Is home ownership right for me?
  • Financing options
  • Qualifying for your mortgage
  • Overcoming barriers to home ownership
  • Budgeting
  • Shopping for a home
  • Working with a realtor
  • Closing on your home

Framework®

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Developed by the Minnesota Homeownership Center and Boston-based Housing Partnership Network, Framework® is a self-guided, online course that educates prospective homeowners on all facets necessary to progress along the home-buying journey. 

​​Framework® is a high-quality, fun way to learn how to be a smart, confident, successful homeowner. It provides the facts necessary to become well-informed about every step in the process. Many lenders have approved Framework® to meet their requirements for homebuyer education - check with a prospective lender to make sure they accept online homebuyer education.

Minnesota Homeownership Center

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As a U.S. Housing and Urban Development Intermediary, the Minnesota Homeownership Center has an excellent directory of upcoming in-person and virtual homebuyer education workshops. Search its calendar for upcoming counseling service events.