Courses
Homebuyer Education
Saturdays April 4 & 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM
Our eight-hour home buyer education seminar prepares you for the complicated process of buying a home. Learn about the basics of budgeting, improving your credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This two-day course is broken down into distinctive parts: The first day will cover an orientation to the home buying process and budget & credit basics. The second day will bring in expert realtors and loan officers to cover shopping for a home and the closing process.
To receive a certificate of completion you must complete both classes totaling eight educational hours.
Financial Capability
Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this workshop will prepare you for financial security.
Learn How To:
- Develop a spending plan
- Reduce your debt
- Increase your credit score
Homebuyer Education
Wednesdays April 8, 15, 22, & 29. Eight-hour course delivered in four 2-hour sessions.
NHS Chicago eight-hour home buyer education seminar prepares you for the complicated process of buying a home. Learn about the basics of budgeting, improving your credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This course is broken down into 4 distinctive parts:
Session 1. Orientation to the home buying process
Session 2. Budget & credit basics
Session 3. Shopping for a home
Session 4. Getting the deal done – closing process.
Master Your Mortgage: P.I.T.I.E. Education for Sustainable Ownership
Being a homeowner comes with ongoing costs that can change from year to year.
Our PITIE workshop is designed exclusively for existing homeowners who want to understand their housing expenses, prepare for mortgage escrow changes, and strengthen long-term financial stability.
This interactive session breaks down the five core housing costs you manage as a homeowner: Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance, and Essential Services (utilities) – and shows you how each impacts your monthly payment and household budget.
Homeowners will learn how to:
• Understand how principal and interest work throughout the life of the loan
• Prepare for property tax and insurance increases that affect escrow
• Review insurance coverage and compare rates to reduce costs
• Identify and exit high-cost utility suppliers
• Avoid financial traps
• Strengthen their long-term homeownership success and stability
PITIE empowers homeowners with practical tools and strategies to stay informed, save money, and safeguard their home from unexpected financial shocks.
Click here to view NHS Chicago Program Disclosures before enrolling in workshops: https://nhschicago.org/disclosure
Foreclosure Prevention: Protect Your Home and Prevent Displacement
Facing mortgage challenges can feel overwhelming—but understanding your options is the first step toward protecting your home.
This workshop provides homeowners with a clear overview of the foreclosure process and the solutions that may be available. Topics include home retention and non-retention options, loan modifications, mediation programs, and current mortgage assistance resources.
Designed for homeowners at any stage of concern, this session focuses on education, early intervention, and connecting participants to trusted guidance and support.
Homebuyer Education
Saturday April 18th & 25th.
Our eight-hour home buyer education seminar prepares you for the complicated process of buying a home. Learn about the basics of budgeting, improving your credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This two-day course is broken down into distinctive parts: The first day will cover an orientation to the home buying process and budget & credit basics. The second day will bring in expert realtors and loan officers to cover shopping for a home and the closing process.
To receive a certificate of completion you must complete both classes totaling eight educational hours.
Spring DIY for Your Home
Join us for an informational webinar presented by Eya Louis of Soul Works, L3C!
This 90-minute workshop will provide practical tips, tools, and resources to help you get your home ready for the spring season. Learn how to tackle simple DIY maintenance projects, refresh your space, and address common issues that arise after winter. We’ll cover essential upkeep for key areas of your home to improve efficiency, prevent costly repairs, and keep your home in top shape as the weather warms up.
Click here to view NHS Chicago Program Disclosures before enrolling in workshops: https://nhschicago.org/disclosure
Homebuyer Education
Saturday May 2nd & 9th. Our eight-hour home buyer education seminar prepares you for the complicated process of buying a home. Learn about the basics of budgeting, improving your credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This two-day course is broken down into distinctive parts: The first day will cover an orientation to the home buying process and budget & credit basics. The second day will bring in expert realtors and loan officers to cover shopping for a home and the closing process.
Financial Capability
Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this workshop will prepare you for financial security.
Learn How To:
- Develop a spending plan
- Reduce your debt
- Increase your credit score
Understanding Student Loans: Repayment, Forgiveness & Your Options
Are you feeling overwhelmed by student loan debt or unsure about your repayment options?
Join Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS), in partnership with Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC), for a comprehensive webinar designed to help you better understand your student loans and take control of your financial future.
During this session, we will cover:
• Overview of student loans
• Repayment plan options and how to choose the right one
• Loan forgiveness programs, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Strategies for managing and reducing student loan debt
• Common mistakes to avoid
This webinar is ideal for individuals currently in repayment, those preparing to enter repayment, or anyone seeking clarity on student loan options.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical tools and expert guidance to help you navigate your student loans with confidence.
Click here to view NHS Chicago Program Disclosures before enrolling in workshops: https://nhschicago.org/disclosure
Homebuyer Education
Wednesdays May 6, 13, 20, & 27. Eight-hour course delivered in four 2-hour sessions. Our eight-hour home buyer education seminar prepares you for the complicated process of buying a home. Learn about the basics of budgeting, improving your credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs.
Homebuyer Education
Saturday May 9th & 16th. Our eight-hour home buyer education seminar prepares you for the complicated process of buying a home. Learn about the basics of budgeting, improving your credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This two-day course is broken down into distinctive parts: The first day will cover an orientation to the home buying process and budget & credit basics. The second day will bring in expert realtors and loan officers to cover shopping for a home and the closing process.
Foreclosure Prevention: Protect Your Home and Prevent Displacement
Facing mortgage challenges can feel overwhelming—but understanding your options is the first step toward protecting your home.
This workshop provides homeowners with a clear overview of the foreclosure process and the solutions that may be available. Topics include home retention and non-retention options, loan modifications, mediation programs, and current mortgage assistance resources.
Designed for homeowners at any stage of concern, this session focuses on education, early intervention, and connecting participants to trusted guidance and support.
Student Loans & Homebuying: How Student Loans Impact – Mortgage Options 5/14/26
Are you planning to buy a home but are concerned about how your student loans may impact your mortgage options?
Join Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) for Part 2 of our Special Topics Student Loan Series, featuring Edwin Castillo from U.S. Bank, as we explore how student loan debt can affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage.
During this session, we will cover:
- How lenders evaluate student loan debt during the mortgage process
- The impact of repayment plans on your debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
- Strategies to improve your eligibility for home financing
- Common misconceptions about student loans and homeownership
Click here to view NHS Chicago Program Disclosures before enrolling in workshops: https://nhschicago.org/disclosure
Homebuyer Education
Wednesdays, June 3, 10, 17, & 24. Eight-hour course delivered in four 2-hour sessions.
Our eight-hour home buyer education seminar prepares you for the complicated process of buying a home. Learn about the basics of budgeting, improving your credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs.
Click here to view NHS Chicago Program Disclosures before enrolling in workshops: https://nhschicago.org/disclosure
Homebuyer Education
Saturday June 6th & 13th. Our eight-hour home buyer education seminar prepares you for the complicated process of buying a home. Learn about the basics of budgeting, improving your credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This two-day course is broken down into distinctive parts: The first day will cover an orientation to the home buying process and budget & credit basics. The second day will bring in expert realtors and loan officers to cover shopping for a home and the closing process.
Financial Capability
Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this workshop will prepare you for financial security.
Learn How To:
- Develop a spending plan
- Reduce your debt
- Increase your credit score
Protecting Your Home and Preventing Displacement: Support for Homeowners
Facing mortgage challenges can feel overwhelming- but understanding your options is the first step toward protecting your home.
This workshop provides homeowners with a clear overview of the foreclosure process and the solutions that may be available. Topics include home retention and non-retention options, loan modifications, mediation programs, and current mortgage assistance resources.
Designed for homeowners at any stage of concern, this session focuses on education, early intervention, and connecting participants to trusted guidance and support.
Click here to view NHS Chicago Program Disclosures before enrolling in workshops: https://nhschicago.org/disclosure
Master Your Mortgage: P.I.T.I.E. Education for Sustainable Ownership
Being a homeowner comes with ongoing costs that can change from year to year. Our PITIE workshop is designed exclusively for existing homeowners who want to understand their housing expenses, prepare for mortgage escrow changes, and strengthen long-term financial stability.
This interactive session breaks down the five core housing costs you manage as a homeowner: Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance, and Essential Services (utilities) – and shows you how each impacts your monthly payment and household budget.
Homeowners will learn how to:
• Understand how principal and interest work throughout the life of the loan
• Prepare for property tax and insurance increases that affect escrow
• Review insurance coverage and compare rates to reduce costs
• Identify and exit high-cost utility suppliers
• Avoid financial traps
• Strengthen their long-term homeownership success and stability
PITIE empowers homeowners with practical tools and strategies to stay informed, save money, and safeguard their home from unexpected financial shocks.
