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

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08/22/2026
In-Person

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.

10:00 AM
Register
09/08/2026
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.

6:00 PM
Register
08/20/2026
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.

6:00 PM

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.

08/22/2026
In-Person

Homebuyer Education

Saturday August 22 & 29, 2026. Address: 733 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, Il 60612

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.

10:00 AM
Register now
09/02/2026
Virtual

Homebuyer Education

Wednesdays – September 2, 9, 16, & 23. 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.

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. Orientation to the home buying process

To receive a certificate of completion form you must complete all four classes totaling eight educational hours.

6:00 PM
Register now
09/12/2026
In-Person

The Home Stretch Homebuyer Event Series

Saturday, September 12 & September 19, 2026, at 9:00 AM

The Home Stretch Homebuyer Event Series is presented by the Chicago Treasurer’s Office – Money Matters Institute in partnership with NHS Chicago.

This free, two-part homebuyer education series is designed to help participants better understand the homebuying process and prepare for successful homeownership.

This series will cover key topics such as the homebuying process, credit, budgeting, mortgage readiness, and available homebuyer assistance programs, including HomeGrown and other resources that may help make homeownership more affordable. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with lenders, housing professionals, and resource partners.

Participants must attend both sessions to earn a HUD Homebuyer Education Certificate. This certificate is valid for one year and is accepted by financial institutions for down payment assistance and mortgage program requirements.

9:00 AM
Register now
09/22/2026
In-Person

Homebuyer Education

NHS Chicago’s eight-hour homebuyer education course is designed to help participants better understand the homebuying process and prepare for successful, sustainable homeownership. Learn about the basics of budgeting, improving your credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs.

This September class will follow a modified three-day schedule that includes two weekday evening sessions and one Saturday session.

Participants must attend all three sessions listed below to complete the required eight hours of education.

Class Schedule

Session 1: Part 1 – Orientation

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Session 2: Part 2 – Budget & Credit

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Session 3: Part 3 – Shopping for a Home + Part 4 – Getting the Deal Done

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Location

NHS-Chicago Education Center

639 E 87th Street

Chicago, IL 60619

To receive a Homebuyer Education Certificate of Completion request form, participants must attend and complete all three sessions. Participants who miss any portion of the course may be required to make up missed time before a certificate can be issued.

Important Arrival Policy:

Participants should plan to arrive early and allow time for parking, check-in, and seating. Doors will close 15 minutes after the scheduled class start time. Participants who arrive after doors close will not be admitted and may need to register for a future class.

6:00 PM
Register now

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
09/08/2026
Virtual

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
6:00 PM
Register now

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:

08/20/2026
Virtual

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.

6:00 PM
Register now
09/15/2026
Virtual

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.

6:00 PM
Register now

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!

Schedule an Appointment

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.

Register today

Watch webinar replays

Understanding Student Loans (Archived Presentation)

How do student loans impact your journey towards homeownership? This course gives you tips and action items to take and covers FAFSA, different loan types, repayment, default, forgiveness programs, and so much more.

Watch now

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.

Monday – Thursday 9:00am – 5pm
Fridays By Appointment Only

(773) 329-4111

homeownership@nhschicago.org

Neighborhood Lending Services, Inc.
NMLS #276722
IL Mortgage Banker License MB.6850297

CENTRAL OFFICE

850 W. Jackson Blvd.
5th Floor
Chicago, IL 60607

WEST HUMBOLDT PARK

2950 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622

CHATHAM

639 E. 87th Street
Chicago, IL 60619

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A nonprofit organization established in 1975, NHS is committed to offering Chicago residents affordable resources so they can buy, fix, and keep their homes. We partner with residents, block clubs, neighborhood organizations, financial institutions, the City of Chicago, insurance companies, corporations and foundations so that families can protect and preserve their single biggest investment—their homes. Our mission is creating opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives, and strengthen their neighborhoods. Copyright © 2026 Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Inc. All rights reserved.

All loans are offered through Neighborhood Lending Services, Inc. (NLS), a nonprofit Illinois Residential Mortgage licensee (#MB. 6850297)  and an Equal Opportunity Housing lender.

State of Illinois, Division of Banking
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
555 West Monroe Street, 5TH Floor
Chicago, IL 60661
Telephone Number: 1-888-473-4858
http://www.idfpr.illinois.gov/

Copyright © 2026 Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Inc. All rights reserved.

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