First-Time Homeownership Class Series Commences at Piedmont Housing Alliance

With an extra hour of daylight and spring just around the corner, people are starting to spruce up their homes inside and out to get them ready to sell.  At the same time, many people are thinking about how to buy their first home and that’s where Piedmont Housing Alliance can help.

Sixteen people gathered at Piedmont Housing Alliance recently for the first of several ongoing classes about the sometimes daunting home buying process.  “I am interested in bettering my life and I’m sick of renting, so that’s why I’m here,” said Hazel, a class participant. Some don’t know where to start when thinking about buying a home, especially in challenging economic times.  The classes walk through the entire home buying process from start to finish, and teach participants how to stay on track as responsible homeowners.

The affordable housing gap is very apparent in Charlottesville and finding affordable housing isn’t getting any easier for the more than a quarter of U.S. renters, according to a report from The National Low Income Housing Coalition.  What most people don’t know is that a monthly mortgage payment often costs less than rent.  And, research continues to provide evidence that owning an affordable home offers the possibility of upward financial mobility.

Helping people become first-time homebuyers is our specialty. We help our clients identify their goals and take action steps towards home ownership, often involving budgeting, saving, and improving credit to become mortgage-ready. Our mission is to create housing opportunities and build community through education, lending, and development.

Save the date for our next first-time homebuyer class series on April 3rd and 10th from 6-9 pm at Piedmont Housing Alliance, 682 Berkmar Circle, 2nd floor.  Classes are free to all, but registration in advance is required.

To register, please visit www.piedmonthousingalliance.org/classes or call 434-817-2436.