Calcasieu Parish’s Housing Counseling Agency, in conjunction with Project Build a Future, has announced its free Homebuyer Education Classes schedule for 2022.

Here is the remaining 2022 class schedule:

• Saturday, April 9: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., hosted by Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
• Monday, June 20: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
• Tuesday, June 21: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
• Saturday, Aug. 20: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., hosted by Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
• Monday, Oct. 10: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
• Tuesday, Oct. 11: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
• Saturday, Nov. 19: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., hosted by Calcasieu Parish Police Jury

The class walks participants through the entire process of buying a home. 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 attorneys, mortgage underwriters and underwriting criteria), financial management and proper budgeting. Other topics include down payments, closing costs, and insurance.

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. 

“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 participants, 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 they successfully complete classes.

For more information, call the Calcasieu Parish Housing Counseling Agency at 337-721-4030, ext. 5120 or email Alyssa Hebert at ahebert@calcasieuparish.gov.