Address & Phone

32 South Tracy
Bozeman, MT 59715
406.585.4895

Primary Contact

Mindy DeCosse
[email protected]

406-585-4884
www.thehrdc.org

Services

Homebuyer Education
Homebuyer Counseling
Financial Coaching
Rental Counseling

Counties

Gallatin
Park
Meagher

Organization Description

The Human Resource Development Council of District IX, Inx. (HRDC IX) was established in 1976 to serve Gallatin, Park and Meagher Counties in Southwestern Montana. HRDC IX is a private, not-for-profit Community Action Agency, dedicated to strengthening community and advancing the quality of peoples’ lives. The organization works to achieve this by developing resources, talent and capital, to help people of all ages and situations confront and overcome obstacles so that they can improve their lives. HRDC IX serves the community in seven program areas: Food and Nutrition, Housing and Homelessness, Child and Youth Development, Senior Empowerment, Community Transportation, Home Heating, Efficiency, and Safety, and Community and Economic Development. Through a variety of programs, HRDC IX fosters sustainable results through practical, comprehensive approaches to social and economic challenges. HRDC IX’s Housing Initiative works across all levels of housing security from homelessness to homeownership. The organization operates an emergency shelter and transitional housing, provides rental assistance vouchers, develops affordable housing, offers down payment assistance financing, provides energy assistance and weatherization, and delivers housing education and counseling.

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Homebuyer Education Classes

HRDCIX offers its Homebuyer Education class once per month. The purpose of the class is to teach potential homeowners about the process of purchasing a home. Classes are 8 hours over the course of two evenings or one Saturday – see table at right for course dates, times and locations. This is a great program for both new and experienced home buyers and provides a good opportunity to become a more educated home buyer and homeowner. The class is taught by certified homeownership educators and other professionals from the community who provide presentations on a range of homeownership topics including:

  • Choosing a lender and understanding loan products and terms
  • Working with a real estate agent who really grasps your needs and price range
  • Understanding the scope and value of home inspections
  • Evaluating your credit and using credit wisely
  • Budgeting for your household and determining affordability
  • Choosing insurance policies
  • Understanding the title insurance and closing process
  • Maintaining your home so it continues to be an appreciating asset

Registration and Payment

Registration: Advanced registration is required. Please email [email protected] or call 406-585-4895

Class Deposit: $25 per person or $40 for a couple.

If you have special needs such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act please let us know and we can make accommodations for you.

Note: Our classroom is not suitable for children. Please make childcare arrangements.

Class Schedule

To sign up or if you have questions, please email Mindy DeCosse at
[email protected]. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Upcoming 2024 dates:

  • April 20; 9am to 4:30pm; in-person
  • May 1-2; 5:30pm to 9:00pm; via Zoom
  • May 19; 9am to 4:30pm; in-person
  • June 12-13; 5:30pm to 9:00pm; in-person
  • June 23; 9am to 4:30pm; in-person
  • July 15-17; 5:30pm to 9:00pm; via Zoom
  • August 5-7; 5:30pm to 9:00pm; in-person

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.

eHomeNetworkClick HERE to get started!

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

FrameworkClick HERE to get started!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].