Education

We empower future homeowners by helping them make smart decisions during the process.

Education And Counseling

Our HUD-certified Housing Counselors help individuals navigate the entire housing spectrum, from renter resources, to the homebuying process, to home maintenance and financial stability.

For each of the stages in your housing journey, we offer detailed classes and personalized counseling to support you every step of the way.
Sign up for one-on-one counseling sessions by using our NHS Client Portal.

Core Courses

View all courses
04/01/2023
Virtual

Homebuyer Education

Our comprehensive course will guide you through the entire homebuying process. We’ll focus on budgeting, improving credit, searching for a home, the closing process and down payment assistance programs.

9AM - 1PM
04/04/2023
Virtual

Financial Literacy

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, and increase your credit score.

6PM - 8PM
04/20/2023
Virtual

Foreclosure Prevention

We will help you better understand the foreclosure process by discussing home retention and explaining non-retention options, loan modifications, mediation and available mortgage assistance grant program information.

6PM - 7:30PM

Upcoming Seminars

View all seminars
03/21/2023
Virtual

TIF Purchase Rehab Program Roundtable

This is an exciting opportunity to participate in a small group discussion on the TIF PR program. We invite you to learn more about resources to help navigate the program; and to share your valuable insight and applicant experiences with NHS grants team.

6PM - 7:30PM
03/29/2023
Virtual

How to Appeal Your Property Taxes

Learn how to write a convincing appeal, and when to submit it, as well as troubleshoot different scenarios that homeowners may be facing during the appeal process.

6PM - 7:30PM
For rent sign
04/13/2023
Virtual

Overcoming Barriers for Renting

A guide to common rental barriers and steps you can take to overcome them. We’ll cover fair housing laws, credit and income requirements, and tips to start your apartment search.

6PM - 7:30PM

All Courses & Seminars

Explore the categories below for a list of courses and seminars that best meet your needs.

Our comprehensive course will guide you through the entire homebuying process. We'll focus on budgeting, improving credit, the closing process and down payment assistance programs.

These are online courses taught by a live instructor via Zoom.

04/01/2023
Virtual

Homebuyer Education

Saturdays April 1 & 8
Eight-hour course delivered in two 4-hour sessions

9AM - 1PM
04/05/2023
Virtual

Homebuyer Education

Wednesdays April 5, 12, 19 & 26
Eight-hour course delivered in four 2-hour sessions

6PM - 8PM
05/03/2023
Virtual

Homebuyer Education

Wednesdays May 3, 10, 17 & 24
Eight-hour course delivered in two 4-hour sessions

6PM - 8PM
05/13/2023
Virtual

Homebuyer Education

Saturdays May 13 & 20
Eight-hour course delivered in two 4-hour sessions

9AM - 1PM
06/07/2023
Virtual

Homebuyer Education

Wednesdays June 7, 14, 21 & 28
Eight-hour course delivered in four 2-hour sessions

6PM - 8PM

Our financial education workshop helps you prepare for financial security, whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply looking to improve your finances. Learn how to:

  • Develop a spending plan
  • Reduce your debt
  • Increase your credit score

These are online courses taught by a live instructor via Zoom.

04/04/2023
Virtual

Financial Literacy

2-hour session

6PM - 8PM
05/02/2023
Virtual

Financial Literacy

2-hour session

6PM - 8PM
06/06/2023
Virtual

Financial Literacy

2-hour session

6PM - 8PM

Our 90-minute foreclosure prevention education workshop provides insight into the foreclosure process, loan modification options, mediation, forbearance, housing counselor assistance, and mortgage assistance grant programs:

These are online courses taught by a live instructor via Zoom.

04/20/2023
Virtual

Foreclosure Prevention

One 90-minute session

6PM - 7:30PM
05/18/2023
Virtual

Foreclosure Prevention

One 90-minute session

6PM - 7:30PM
06/15/2023
Virtual

Foreclosure Prevention

One 90-minute session

6PM - 7:30PM
03/28/2023
Virtual

Renovation Best Practices

Renovation season is fast approaching, and this webinar will help you know how to choose a contractor, what red flags to look for, and how to prepare your home, and yourself for construction in your space. Presented by Eya Louis from SOUL Works.

6PM - 7:30PM
03/29/2023
Virtual

How to Appeal Your Property Taxes

Attorney Mario Reed is back to walk you through the property tax appeal process. You will learn how to write a convincing appeal, and when to submit it, as well as troubleshoot different scenarios that homeowners may be facing during the appeal process.

6PM - 7:30PM
04/06/2023
Virtual

Financial Self Defense

What happens after the mortgage holder passes? Learn tips for Homeowner Savings; Mortgage loan “PITI”, Homeowners Insurance, Property Taxes, Energy Cost, and so much more.

6 - 7:30pm
04/08/2023
Virtual

Owner-Occupant Landlord Training

NHS Chicago and CIC are now offering an online Micro-Learning Owner-Occupant Landlord Training course to help you navigate the complexities of the rental industry. This three-hour training session will provide the necessary information to ensure you follow all tenant screening, owner and tenant rights and responsibilities, Landlord-Tenant relationships, and fair housing laws and regulations. You’ll also gain insight into the recommended measures to avoid common rental headaches – perfect for newcomers unfamiliar with the rental industry. This is a requirement or those purchasing 2 or more units through the Tax Increment Financing Purchase Rehab (TIF PR) Program.

9AM - 12PM
04/13/2023
Virtual

Overcoming Barriers for Renting

A guide to common rental barriers and steps you can take to overcome them. We’ll cover fair housing laws, credit and income requirements, and tips to start your apartment search.

6PM - 7:30PM
04/18/2023
Virtual

Solar Power and Electrification

Are you interested in saving money and energy for your home? In this webinar, we will cover the basics of installing solar power in your home, as well as the benefits of switching to electric appliances. Presented by Eya Louis of SOULWorks

6 - 7:30pm
04/22/2023
Virtual

TIF Purchase Rehab – Rehab Ready Part 1 & 2

Two-part series: April 22 & 29.

Are you a participant in the TIF PR Program? Learn more about how to get your home ready and a breakdown of the construction process and timeline in this two-part series. Get your questions answered by the experts. Live Q&A session will follow. Note: All TIF PR participants must attend both sessions to qualify for the program.

9AM - 1PM
05/04/2023
Virtual

Financial Self Defense

What happens after the mortgage holder passes? Learn tips for Homeowner Savings; Mortgage loan “PITI”, Homeowners Insurance, Property Taxes, Energy Cost, and so much more.

6 - 7:30pm
05/16/2023
Virtual

Spring Cleaning and Maintenance for your Home

The weather is warming up and that means household projects are in full swing. Join us for this informative webinar that will cover best practices for maintaining your home in the Spring, and what DIY projects are best to tackle during this season.

6 - 7:30pm
06/01/2023
Virtual

Financial Self Defense

What happens after the mortgage holder passes? Learn tips for Homeowner Savings; Mortgage loan “PITI”, Homeowners Insurance, Property Taxes, Energy Cost, and so much more.

6 - 7:30pm

Free 1:1 Sessions

Meet with a HUD-Certified Homeownership Counselor to:

  • Create a plan to achieve your financial goals
  • Get personalized advice for all your questions
  • Prepare for homeownership
  • Reduce housing costs and learn about available financial assistance
  • Avoid foreclosure and facilitate communication with your servicer

Sessions are available over the phone, zoom or in person, but slots fill up quickly!

Online Education at Your Own Pace

Complete Homebuyer Education with eHome, an online education tool. Proceed at your own pace through six modules, which are also available in Spanish. The regular cost of this course is $99, but use the discount code NHSC49 for a significant reduction in price to $50.

eHome also offers a free, self-paced foreclosure prevention course covering home retention options, the foreclosure timeline, and resources available to help save your home.

Let’s Get Started

Sign up below to receive monthly notifications on courses and seminars being offered.

Have more questions? Email us at homeownership@nhschicago.org or call NHS Client Services at 773.329.4111.

Your generous support enables us to continue to make tremendous strides in advocating for working families while strengthening and stabilizing neighborhoods.