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Where can first-time homebuyers get a homebuyer education course?

First-time homebuyers can find a homebuyer education course through Cambridge Credit Counseling, a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Cambridge Credit Counseling offers a course that satisfies lender requirements for the 8-hour HUD/USDA course and for down payment assistance programs that require certification. Call (800) 757-1788 to speak with a counselor about your options.

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Enroll in the eHome course Enroll in the Framework course Landlord education

Why Lenders Require a Homebuyer Education Course#

Many mortgage programs and down payment assistance programs require buyers to complete an approved homebuyer education course before closing. Cambridge Credit Counseling administers a course that can be used toward programs requiring the 8-hour HUD/USDA course and toward down payment assistance programs that require certification.

What Cambridge Credit Counseling’s Course Covers#

Cambridge Credit Counseling’s first-time homebuyer counseling for borrowers with past credit challenges or borrowers applying for down payment assistance includes a one-on-one financial wellness assessment in addition to the required completion of a first-time homebuyer course.

The eHome America Course

Cambridge Credit Counseling offers the eHome America course, which is based on NeighborWorks America’s Realizing the American Dream curriculum and meets the National Industry Standards for homebuyer education. The course can be used toward programs that require the 8-hour HUD/USDA course, and toward down payment assistance programs that require certification. The eHome America course costs $99.

The course covers:

  • Steps of the home buying process
  • Preparing for the expenses of homeownership
  • Financial management of homeownership
  • Post purchase tips

Enroll in the eHome course

The Framework Homeownership Course

Cambridge Credit Counseling is also authorized to administer the Framework Homeownership course. It qualifies as the homebuyer education requirement for most local and national mortgage loan products, and for first-time homebuyer incentives that carry an education requirement. The Framework Homeownership course costs $99.

Enroll in the Framework course

Landlord Education for Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island Residents

Cambridge Credit Counseling offers one-on-one landlord training that covers what it takes to be a knowledgeable and responsible landlord. All course materials are provided at registration, and certification requires a one-on-one appointment in person or by phone. Landlord education is available to Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island residents only. The landlord course costs $125. To register, call (800) 757-1788.

Cambridge Credit Counseling Is HUD-Approved#

Cambridge Credit Counseling is approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide housing counseling services throughout the country, including first-time homebuyer courses. Cambridge Credit Counseling offers HUD-approved homebuyer education courses and is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency offering services to help with all types of housing issues.

If You Cannot Afford a Large Down Payment#

A homebuyer who makes a down payment of less than 20 percent of the cost of the home is required to obtain private mortgage insurance, which protects the lender if the borrower defaults on mortgage payments. We encourage homebuyers who cannot afford a 20 percent down payment to contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency like ours, which can assess their situation and determine whether they qualify for special programs that help toward homeownership.

What to Do Next#

  • Cambridge Credit Counseling offers HUD-approved homebuyer education courses.
  • Prospective homebuyers can speak with a counselor at (800) 757-1788.
  • Ask about the one-on-one financial wellness assessment that goes along with the required homebuyer course.

Common questions

What is a homebuyer education course?

It is a required course for many first-time homebuyers. Cambridge Credit Counseling administers a homebuyer education course that can be used toward programs requiring the 8-hour HUD/USDA course and toward down payment assistance programs that require certification.

Does Cambridge Credit Counseling's course meet lender requirements?

Cambridge Credit Counseling's course can be used toward programs that require the 8-hour HUD/USDA course and toward down payment assistance programs that require certification.

Is Cambridge Credit Counseling approved to offer housing counseling?

Yes. Cambridge Credit Counseling is approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide housing counseling services throughout the country, including first-time homebuyer courses, and it is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency.

What happens during Cambridge Credit Counseling's first-time homebuyer counseling?

For borrowers with past credit challenges or borrowers applying for down payment assistance, Cambridge Credit Counseling's homebuyer counseling includes a one-on-one financial wellness assessment along with the required completion of a first-time homebuyer course.

What if I cannot afford a 20 percent down payment?

A down payment of less than 20 percent requires private mortgage insurance to protect the lender. We encourage homebuyers in this situation to contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency like ours, which can assess their situation and determine whether they qualify for special programs that help toward homeownership.

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