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 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 attend one in-person counseling appointment. Please choose from option A or B below.
Option A: Online Education and In-Person Counseling
Complete homebuyer education online at your own pace through eHome America. After completing education, you will receive instruction to schedule an in-person counseling appointment at 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 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. All online education and phone counseling must be completed through eHomeAmerica. All in-person counseling must be completed through a Vermont-based NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center.
Buying a 2-unit property?
VHFA requires landlord education in addition to the pre-purchase homebuyer education
Access and complete the education (2 options):
Option A: Genworth
- Go to Genworth education page: https://new.mortgageinsurance.genworth.com/homebuyer-education to register for landlord education.
- Read the Fannie Mae Becoming a Landlord publication https://www.fanniemae.com/content/tool/landlord-guidance.pdf.
- Complete and pass the test on the Genworth site.
- Receive completion certificate.
Option B: MGIC
- Go to the MGIC education page: https://www.readynest.com/homebuyer-resources/landlord-test.
- Read the Fannie Mae Becoming a Landlord publication https://www.fanniemae.com/content/tool/landlord-guidance.pdf.
- Complete and pass the test on the MGIC site.
- Receive completion certificate.
