It’s important to understand how to manage the financial obligations of homeownership before you begin the process of buying a home. We encourage you to learn about the obligations and benefits that come with homeownership.
Financial Literacy Program
Wells Fargo created Hands on Banking
, an online education tool which teaches about credit and household finance. There are programs specifically targeting different age groups, including elementary school and middle school students, as well as adults. Information is offered in English and Español.
Homebuyer Counseling
Each of the counseling agencies listed below offers a variety of classes and trainings, as well as one-to-one counseling. Several agencies offer the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), while others refer clients to those classes.
Required for the NSP:
- HUD-certified, 8-hour homebuyer education class.
These agencies are primarily supported by grants, so you can benefit from their services at little or no cost to you. Ask each agency how it works when you make your call.
Agencies offering HUD Classes for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP):
- Community Housing Development Corporation
1535-A Third Street, Richmond, CA 94801 - East Bay Neighborhood Housing Services
12972 San Pablo Ave., Richmond, CA 94805 - Operation Hope
HOPE Inside Bank of America, 3251 International Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94601 - The Unity Council
1900 Fruitvale Avenue, Suite 2A, Oakland, CA 94601
If you need help improving your credit, many of the homebuyer counseling agencies will send you to Consumer Credit Counseling Services.