Workshop
Workshop Types
These workshops cover special mortgage assistance and affordable homeownership programs that are available for first-time homebuyers in San Francisco. Learn the details of these programs and what criteria must be met to qualify for them.
These workshops discuss everything you need to know about credit reports. Discover what mortgage lenders look for on credit reports, how to correct inaccurate information, how to improve your credit so you can buy a home and what special loan programs exist for people with "less-than-perfect" credit.
These workshops offer a step-by-step guide to organizing your personal finances so you can save money for the future while you pay off debt today. You will learn debt reduction strategies, how to use credit to your best advantage, and how to create your own personal debt repayment plan.
These workshops focus on building a strong financial foundation for homeownership. Find out how to improve your credit score, balance your budget, develop a savings plan and increase your financial stability.
These workshops are approved by the San Francisco Mayor's Office of Housing and the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency and offer a certificate in homebuyer education. Find out how to buy a home, how much you can afford, what type of home to buy, how to finance a home and how to keep your home over time.
These workshops are designed specifically for teachers of the Unified School District and offer teachers a certificate of completion in homebuyer education. Find out how to buy a home, how much you can afford, what type of home to buy, how to finance a home and how to keep your home over time. Also, learn about the San Francisco Mayor's Office of Housing's special financing program for local teachers.
These workshops help homeowners who are having trouble making their mortgage payments understand their options to preserve homeownership. Find out what to do when you can't make your mortgage payment and what lenders might be willing to do to help you stay in your home.
These workshops are offered during the holiday season. Learn how to streamline your festivities and reduce your stress during the holidays. Hear about timesaving tips, inexpensive gift ideas and the basics of creating and maintaining a spending plan.
These workshops help you plan financially for a successful transition from renting to homeownership. Find out how to manage your money before and after you become a homeowner.
These workshops demystify the mortgage loan process. Learn about the types of loans available, how the approval process works, the meaning of federal and state disclosures and what to do if your loan is denied.
These workshops demystify the homebuying process Learn critical terminology, and discover what's important to you in a home, tools to help in the house hunting process and the steps and professionals involved in buying a home.
These workshops demystify the homebuying process and take you on a tour of available homes for sale. Find out how to hunt for homes while you learn critical terminology and the steps involved in buying a home.
These special activities include meetings, exhibits and events related to homeownership in San Francisco.
How do I start the homebuying process?
Step 1: Get prepared
Attending a first-time homebuyer workshop will help you learn about the home purchase process and make wise decisions.
Step 2: Find out if you qualify
Schedule an appointment with a housing counseling or lender. This meeting will determine if you qualify for a mortgage loan, and if, so how much you can afford.
Step 3: Shop for a home
After you know how much you can afford, you may choose to work with a real estate agent to find a market rate home or find an affordable (below market rate/BMR) home on your own.
Step 4: Look for mortgage assistance
There are a number of down payment and closing cost assistance programs available depending on the home you’re buying, your income and other factors.
Our nonprofit members offer free workshops on a variety of homeownership and financial topics for potential homebuyers and existing homeowners. Generally, advance registration is required for all workshops, and reservations are accepted no more than 30 days before the workshop date. Generally, no childcare is provided. Start here, and learn what you need to know to achieve and maintain homeownership in San Francisco.
