Homebuyer education

VHFA wants you to be a successful homeowner!

  • VHFA requires at least one borrower to complete homebuyer education and counseling.
  • Homebuyer education and counseling must be completed within 18 months prior to closing.
  • Borrowers are responsible for education costs.

Specific education and counseling requirements vary. Please choose carefully from the options below. *

Borrowers Using VHFA ASSIST:

At least one borrower must complete homebuyer education and counseling. Please choose from option A or B below.

Option A: Online Education and Counseling

Complete homebuyer education online at your own pace through eHome America. After completing education, you will receive instruction to schedule phone counseling with a Vermont-based NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center near you. After your counseling appointment, you will receive your completion certificate. To register for this option go to vhfa.ehomeamerica.org.

OR

Option B: In-Person Education and Counseling

Attend an in-person homebuyer workshop at a Vermont-based NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center near you. After completing the workshop you will receive instructions to schedule an in-person counseling appointment. After your counseling appointment, you will receive your completion certificate. To register for this option go to a Vermont HomeOwnership Center nearest you.

Borrowers NOT Using VHFA ASSIST:

At a minimum, one borrower must complete education and counseling per option C when not using VHFA ASSIST. Borrowers may complete education/counseling per option A or B if desired.

Option C: Online Education and Phone Counseling

At least one borrower must complete online education and phone counseling through eHome America. After completing education, you will receive instructions to schedule phone counseling. After your counseling appointment, you will receive your completion certificate. To register for this option go to vhfavcc.ehomeamerica.org.

Unsure? Contact your lender to ask which education and counseling option is required for you.

* Other eligibility requirements apply. Homebuyer education and counseling is required for all programs except the standalone Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). Selecting the incorrect option may require retaking education and counseling and paying additional fees.

Buying a 2-Unit (Duplex)?

 

In most cases, ​​VHFA borrowers purchasing a 2-unit duplex must complete online landlord education in addition to homebuyer education.

  1. Contact your lender to determine if landlord education is required for you.

  2. Your lender will help you locate an online course that will meet the requirement.

  3. After completing landlord education, provide the completion certificate to your lender as soon as possible.

The Vermont COVID Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program re-opened May 3, 2021. Click here to apply and read more. For emergency rental assistance, please contact Vermont State Housing Authority.