Model Cities believes that to educate successful homeowners they must take an “a to z” approach covering all aspects of the home ownership process spectrum. This holistic approach benefits future successful homeowners by offering them a fully supported, thoroughly educated curriculum tailored to their unique situations and helps them specifically navigate the challenges they face as they encounter them and, in time, learn to anticipate them. Model Cities seeks to make these programs as supportive and integrated as possible.
One of the services that accomplish this approach is the Home Stretch Class. The Home Stretch Educator is certified in this curriculum and will focus on potential homebuyers, educating them in the home buying process. The Home Stretch class provides a workshop manual and is offered in a classroom environment with innovative and creative tools, i.e., power point, charts, additional resource material, etc. In addition, Model Cities will solicit professional volunteers that are skilled in certain areas as part of the presentation. At the completion of this 8-hour class, the participant receives a certificate. See schedule of classes in side bar.
Another service added to the holistic approach is Pre-purchase Counseling. Anyone who attends one of our Home Stretch classes is eligible for Model Cities’ free individual pre-purchase counseling sessions. The sessions are one-on-one, confidential and discussions include :
- Determine what you can afford
- Develop a budget and savings plan
- Find the right mortgage product for your needs
- Review your credit report and address credit problems that could prevent you from getting a mortgage (slight fee to pull credit report)
- Create a customized Action Plan with specific, manageable steps to help you achieve your goals
Documentation usually required for a homebuyer preparation appointment will include current pay stubs for your most recent months of employment, two years tax returns and W-2s, credit information (if applicable), and three months of bank statements. Additional information may be required.
To get started, attend one of our Home Stretch Classes or call our office to schedule a free, individualized, confidential counseling.
We also offer additional free Enrichment Classes to complement the above workshop. The program has been significantly enhanced by the generous volunteer support in the following areas:
- Accountability Minnesota: tax and accounting services. Workshop: tax preparation for the first time homebuyer.
- Jackson Hewitt: tax and accounting services. Year-end tax preparation.
- Lutheran Social Services: (1) Managing Credit and Debt and (2) IDA Savings
- Construction Contractor: (1) Home Maintenance (2) Do-it-yourself Repairs
- Home Insurance Agent: How to buy home insurance.
Above are a few of the free workshops that we offer to the community. Check our calendar for class schedule. You must call to pre-register.