Allen P. August Multipurpose AnnexCalcasieu Parish’s Housing Counseling Agency, in conjunction with Project Build a Future, has announced its free Homebuyer Education Classes schedule for 2023.
The first class begins Feb. 18. Here is the full 2023 class schedule:
- Saturday, Feb. 18: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., hosted by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
- Monday, April 24: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
- Tuesday, April 25: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
- Monday, June 12: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
- Tuesday, June 13: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
- Saturday, Aug. 19: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., hosted by Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
- Monday, Oct. 23: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
- Tuesday, Oct. 24: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
- Saturday, Nov. 18: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., hosted by Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
All classes are held at the Allen P. August Multipurpose Annex, 2000 Moeling St. in Lake Charles and participants can opt to attend two, four-hour, back-to-back classes or attend one eight-hour session.
The class walks participants through the entire process of buying a home, step by step. It covers all the fundamentals of homeownership, including the pros and cons of purchasing a home, the role of realtors, all about mortgages (mortgage terminology, mortgage originators, mortgage underwriters and underwriting criteria and mortgage attorneys), financial management, and proper budgeting. Other topics include down payments, closing costs, insurance, and how to apply for grants.
Residents who are interested in buying a home, are in the process of buying a home, and even those who already own homes, are encouraged to sign up for these classes. Please note that the definition of “first-time homebuyer” is anyone who has not owned a home in the past three years -- even if the person owned a home previously.
Classes are free to all participants, regardless of income. To register, visit calcasieu.gov/housingcounseling, click on the “homebuyer group counseling” tab and fill out the application.
Applications are also available at the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury’s Human Services Department office, 2001 Moeling St., Lake Charles. The office is open from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Participants will receive a certificate when they successfully complete classes.
For more information, call the Calcasieu Parish Housing Counseling Agency at 337-721-4030, ext. 5152 or email mffontenot@calcasieu.gov.
