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First Time Home Buyers Education Program- JCECDC has instituted a Housing Education Program, operated with its sister agency, Episcopal Community Development, and in partnership with the Jersey City Housing Authority (JCHA). The course, certified by NeighborWorks and HUD, provides participants with a structured and consumer-centered approach to learning the process of buying and owning a home. We have 3 classes annually at no charge to participants. This program serves about 100 people year. The 7-session course covers topics such as budgeting and credit, getting a mortgage, working with a real estate attorney, home maintenance and finances, and becoming a landlord. Individual counseling to address budget needs is available as well as assistance in understanding and resolving credit issues, which is one of the main obstacles to home ownership. A personal plan to help them prepare for home ownership is offered with one year post graduation counseling available free of charge. To date, this program has about 200 graduates. In 2007, a total of 9 of our graduates purchased their first home.
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