HomebuyerEducationWhat You Need to Know
Many loan programs require a homebuyer education course. Learn which ones, find free options, and understand the benefits.
What is a Homebuyer Education Course?
A homebuyer education course is a class designed to prepare you for the responsibilities of owning a home. These courses, which can be taken online or in-person, provide comprehensive information about the entire homebuying process.
What you'll learn:
Certificate of Completion
Upon passing the course, you'll receive a certificate that may be required to qualify for certain loan programs or down payment assistance.
Course Topics Covered
Which Loan Programs Require Education?
Education requirements vary by loan program. Here's what you need to know about each one.
Fannie Mae HomeReady
Required when ALL occupying borrowers are first-time homebuyers
View Official GuidelinesFannie Mae High LTV (>95%)
Required for purchase transactions with LTV > 95% when ALL borrowers are first-time homebuyers
View Official GuidelinesFreddie Mac Home Possible
Required when ALL occupying borrowers are first-time homebuyers
View Official GuidelinesFreddie Mac HomeOne
Required when ALL borrowers are first-time homebuyers
View Official GuidelinesFHA Loans
Not required by default. Underwriter may require counseling in certain situations.
View Official GuidelinesVA Loans
Not required. VA encourages education but does not mandate it.
View Official GuidelinesUSDA Loans
Often required for first-time homebuyers obtaining USDA financing.
View Official Guidelines*Requirements typically apply when ALL borrowers are first-time homebuyers. Check specific program guidelines for details.
Where to Take Homebuyer Education
Compare course providers—including FREE options from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
| Provider | Cost | Duration | Languages | Format | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FREE | 3-4 hours | English, Spanish | Online | ||
| FREE | 3-4 hours | English, Spanish | Online | ||
| $75 | 6-8 hours | English, Spanish | Online | ||
| $99 | 6-8 hours | English, Spanish | Online | ||
| FREE - $50 | 4-8 hours | Multiple | In-Person |
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approves housing counseling agencies throughout Arizona that offer homebuyer education courses. Many are free or low-cost and offer one-on-one counseling in addition to group education.
Find a HUD-Approved Agency Near YouState Down Payment Assistance Programs
If you're applying for state or local down payment assistance, homebuyer education is almost always required.
Arizona
The Arizona Department of Housing requires approved homebuyer education for its HOME program and other down payment assistance programs.
Learn from Official Sources
Watch videos from HUD, Fannie Mae, and government agencies about homebuyer education.
HUD Housing Counseling Introduction
Official HUD video about visiting local HUD-approved housing counseling agencies.
Playlist
All videos from HUD, Fannie Mae, and government sources—not lender sales pitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about homebuyer education courses.
Course Basics
Program Requirements
Taking the Course
Benefits & Outcomes
Take the First Step Toward
Homeownership
Complete your free homebuyer education course, then connect with us to get pre-qualified for your mortgage.