Buying A Home

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or shopping for your retirement home, homebuyer education is a smart start to a successful and enjoyable home-buying experience! Homebuyer education classes provide the roadmap and tools for potential homebuyers as they navigate the journey toward purchasing a home!

Homebuyer Education Classes and Counseling

Homebuyer Education classes and free one-on-one housing counseling offered online or onsite at the following agencies.

Please note that registration is required. Click on the links below for details regarding course details, class schedule, and locations. Homebuyer education targets a diversified market of prospective homebuyers residing throughout the state of Idaho. Homebuyer education opportunities are available in Idaho's urban and rural areas.

Idaho Housing and Finance Association

Toll-free: 1-877-695-2655
Online course and statewide live class schedules: www.finallyhome.org

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

For more information contact:
208-334-1990
answers@hud.gov
www.hud.gov/states/idaho

Idaho Community Action Partnership

For more information contact:
208-375-7382
help@capai.org
www.capai.org

NMLS Consumer Access

Homebuyers can also peruse NMLS^® Consumer Access which is a free service for consumers to confirm that the financial-services company or professional with whom they wish to conduct business is authorized to conduct business in their state.
http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

Resources to Report Mortgage Scams

1st-time homebuyer scams, the CFPB has this informational link, as well as a video clip on Mortgage Closing Scams.

Consumer Finance: How To Protect Yourself And Your Closing funds

Home Ownership Links and Resources

Whether you're a new home-owner looking for additional information or you've had your home for quite some time and are looking for available refinancing options, here are some great resources to get you started.

The IDOF featured resources below will help you navigate your home-ownership journey.

• Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP)

  HARP is a federal program of the United States to help underwater and near-underwater homeowners refinance their mortgages.
  https://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/get-answers/pages/program-HARP.aspx

• FANNIE MAE

  This website provides a variety of resources relating to home ownership and financing.
  http://fanniemae.com/

• HUD

  This website provides many resources relating to affordable housing, including foreclosure and mortgage rights.
  https://www.hud.gov/

• American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators (AARMR)

  AARMR is an organization established to promote the exchange of information and education concerning the licensing, supervision, and regulation of the residential mortgage industry.
  https://www.aarmr.org/consumer-resources

• CreditSmart^® (Freddie Mac Credit Education Curriculum)

  As part of its commitment to educate and build sound financial literacy skills among consumers, Freddie Mac developed CreditSmart®, a multilingual financial education curriculum and consumer outreach initiative designed to help consumers build and maintain better credit, make sound financial decisions, and understand the steps to sustainable homeownership.
  https://sf.freddiemac.com/working-with-us/creditsmart/overview

VA Backed Loan Information

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help. Buying a home with a VA-backed loan can seem a little intimidating, but breaking the approach down into distinct steps can make it a little easier. Follow these simple steps to secure your loan and buy your dream home.