First-time home buyers can learn the details of homeownership in free homebuyer education classes hosted by the Calcasieu Parish’s Housing Counseling Agency and Project Build a Future.

The next class begins on  Aug. 14. Here is the remaining classes on the 2021 schedule:

• Saturday, Aug. 14: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., hosted by Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
• Monday, Oct. 4: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
• Tuesday, Oct. 5: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
• Saturday, Nov. 13: 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.,

Lake Charles. 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, mortgage attorneys; and mortgage underwriting criteria), 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, or even if they already own a home, 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.

“Taking a homebuyer education class gives potential homebuyers a chance to get unbiased information about what you can expect from the homebuying process,” said Yolanda Smith, Calcasieu Parish Housing Counseling Agency Case Manager. “In addition, these courses are often a prerequisite to be able to participate in first-time homebuyer programs and down-payment assistance programs.”

Classes are free to all attendees regardless of income. To register, visit calcasieuparish.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 successfully completing classes. Please note that the Police Jury does not give out grants or down payment assistance, but many programs and lenders that do will require you to take a HUD-approved housing counseling class.

For more information, call the Calcasieu Parish Housing Counseling Agency at 337-721-4030, ext. 5125.