Address & Phone
1200 SW Boundary Street
Browning, MT 59417
406.338.5031
Primary Contact
Mike LaMere Sr.
[email protected]
(406) 338-5031
Services
Homebuyer Education
Homebuyer Counseling
Counties
Glacier
Organization Description
Blackfeet Housing Authority was founded around 1962 to meet the housing needs of the Blackfeet Reservation. Blackfeet Housing strives to provide decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for all Blackfeet members. Since its creation, Blackfeet Housing has overseen and handled over 760 Low rent units, and LIHTC units on the it’s reservation. Blackfeet Housing has three separate programs for housing that many Blackfeet members may utilize, this includes the Low-Income Rental Units, Low Income Housing Tax Credit units, and Affordable Homeownership. The Affordable Homeownership Program, Blackfeet Housing’s newest addition, aims to help over income tribal members attain and maintain the concept of Homeownership. The services that the Affordable Homeownership Program offers is Homebuyer Education and Counseling, and financial coaching to help individuals with their credit issues.
Homebuyer Education
Blackfeet Housing’s Homebuyer Education class is typically held every other month at the Blackfeet Housing offices. The class covers:
- The history of homeownership
- How homeownership works on Tribal trust land
- The loan process
- Knowledge about credit and how it is used
- Working with tribal trust land
- The ins and outs of buying a home verses building a home
The class has a particular focus on Tribal Lands and how tribal members can be better with their finances in general to attain homeownership. Classes are typically held in the middle of the month, usually on a Wednesday or a Thursday. The normal hours are usually 8am-5pm with breakfast and snacks provided. Lunch is on your own.
This is usually the first step of the Blackfeet Housings Affordable Homeownership Program. In order to be a part of a class an individual will need to go through the program even if it’s just for the Homebuyers Education Class.
2023 Class Schedule
Time: 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Where: 1200 SW Boundary Street
Dates: Please call us at 406-338-5031 for class details
You have two options for online homebuyer education: eHome America or Framework. While online education cannot replace the experience of an in-person class, both eHome America and Framework classes provide a comprehensive education on the homebuying journey.
In order to receive your homebuyer education class certificate of completion you will need to complete a one-on-one appointment with one of our HUD-certified housing counselors. This appointment can be done in person or over the phone and can generally be made to fit your schedule.
The content and topics are the same for both classes, but the delivery styles differ slightly. Feel free to choose the class that suits your learning style best. Both classes are HUD- certified, and both have adopted NeighborWorks America’s National Industry Standards.
eHome is “more like an electronic textbook”, said one user. eHome has short videos that introduce concepts followed by text that further expand those concepts.
Class Costs $99
Framework is more like a storybook, following the homebuying journey of a prospective first-time homebuyer. Content is very interactive.
Class Costs $75
If you still need advice on which course to take your lender may have a recommendation based on the loan products you are considering, or you may contact your local housing counselor for their perspective. Click HERE to find a counselor in your area.
Once you’ve registered and completed the course you will receive an email from Logan Smith at NeighborWorks Montana putting you in touch with the housing counselor in your area to complete your one-on-one counseling session.
Questions? – contact Logan Smith at (406) 604-4557 or by email at [email protected]