Address & Phone
56243 US Hwy 93
Ronan, MT 59864
406.675.4491
Primary Contact
Richard Pierre
[email protected]
www.skha.org
Services
Homebuyer Education
Homebuyer Counseling
Post-Purchase Counseling
Serves
Flathead Reservation Families
Organization Description
The Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority was established by Tribal Council action in 1963. In 1985, under Tribal reorganization, the management of many housing services was transferred to the Housing Authority including the BIA’s Housing Improvement Program (HIP), Weatherization Program, Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program and the Tribe’s water/sewer systems. In 1994 the Indian Health Service Construction Program including the project engineer and inspector were added to the Authority management. This transfer, including the HIP Advisory Board, unified all housing services to make it easier for the membership to access all available housing programs. Since its inception, the Housing Authority has grown to meet the needs of the reservation. SKHA has nearly 700 units under management which include rental, homeownership, 50 units of Tenant Based Assistance and an 80 lot manufactured home community. SKHA provides a full range of homeownership education, counseling and services including pre-purchase, post-purchase and foreclosure intervention, as well as credit counseling and inspection services.
Homebuyer Education Classes
Salish Kootenai Housing Authority offers its Homebuyer Education class in Pablo once a month. The purpose of the class is to teach potential homeowners about the process of purchasing a home. This class has a particular focus on Native American homebuyers and the challenges and benefits relative to homeownership in Indian country. This is a great program for both new and experienced homebuyers and provides a good opportunity to become a more educated homebuyer 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 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
- Becoming a homeowner on a land lease
- Special homebuyer assistance available through SKHA and lenders
Class Schedule
Please call us at (406) 675-4491 (ext. 1505 or 1517)
for class and counseling details.
- April 26
- May 10
- June 21
- August 23
- September 13
- October 25
- November 15
Post-Purchase Classes
Salish Kootenai Housing Authority also offers Post-Purchase Classes. SKHA maintenance personal instruct participants on topics such as basic home repairs, weatherization, patching holes in walls, and proper use of a fire extinguisher.
Registration: Advanced registration is required. To register please contact Richard Pierre via phone at (406) 675-4491 or email [email protected].
Location: All classes are held at 56243 US Hwy 93, Ronan, MT unless otherwise noted.
Class Fee: Classes are FREE and open to the public. Breakfast and lunch is provided.
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
Please call us at (406) 675-4491
for class and counseling 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].