First Time Home Buyer Programs

Counseling & Financial Literacy

It's important to understand how to manage the financial obligations of homeownership before you begin the process of buying a home. We encourage you to learn about the obligations and benefits that come with homeownership.

Financial Literacy Program

Below, please find a link to an online education tool provided by Wells Fargo, which teaches about credit and household finance. On the website are programs specifically targeting different age groups, including elementary school and middle school students, as well as adults. Information is offered in English and Spanish. http://www.handsonbanking.org/

Homebuyer Counseling

Each of the counseling agencies listed below offers a variety of classes and trainings, as well as one-to-one counseling. Several agencies offer the NSP-required, HUD-certified, eight (8) hour homebuyer education class, while others refer clients to those classes. These agencies are primarily supported by grants, so you can benefit from their services at little or no cost to you. Ask each agency how it works when you make your call. Listed in alphabetical order, click on the counseling agency name, and learn about each agency's work, class schedules and locations.

Bay Area Home Buyer Agency (BAHBA)
5517 Geary Blvd, Suite 206, San Francisco, CA 94105
Community Housing Development Corporation
1535-A Third Street, Richmond, CA 94801
East Bay Neighborhood Housing Services
2320 Cutting Blvd. Richmond, CA 94804
Homebricks, Inc.
345 Spear St #700 San Francisco, CA 94105
Operation Hope
3062 East Ninth Street, Oakland CA 94601
The Unity Council
Homeownership Center Office, 3301 East 12th Street, Suite 101, Oakland, CA 94601
Tri-Valley Housing Opportunity Center
141 North Livermore Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550

If you need help improving your credit, many of the homebuyer counseling agencies will send you to Consumer Credit Counseling Services.