Address & Phone
507 West Main Street
Lewistown, MT 59457
406.535.2591
Primary Contact
Cathy Barta
[email protected]m
Services
Homebuyer Education
Homebuyer Counseling
Counties
Fergus
Golden Valley
Judith Basin
Musselshell
Petroleum
Wheatland
Organization Description
Snowy Mountain Development Corporation (SMDC) is a non-profit organization with a board of directors representing both government and the public at large. The organization serves a six county region (Fergus, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, Musselshell, Petroleum and Wheatland) with the mission to improve economic and social conditions through conservation, utilization, expansion and development of all accessible resources in the area. SMDC provides a variety of community and economic development programs and services including feasibility studies, planning grants, infrastructure projects, job creation, job retention, workforce training, business technical assistance and financing, and homebuyer education.
Homebuyer Education Classes
Snowy Mountain Development Corporation offers its Homebuyer Education class in Lewistown once per month. Classes are 8 hours and take place over the course of two evenings – see below for course dates, times and locations. The purpose of the class is to teach potential homeowners about the process of purchasing a home. 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. To sign up or learn more contact Snowy Mountain Development Corporation at (406) 535-2591 or [email protected].
Class Fee: $20 per household. Fee is due at time of registration and is non-refundable but may be applied to a future class.
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
Location: 507 West Main Street, Lewistown (all classes will be in-person)
Time: 5-9 PM
Cost: $20 per household
To Register: Call Cathy at (406) 535-2591
2023 Dates:
- May 15-17; 5:30-8:30 PM
- July 10-12; 5:30-8:30 PM
- September 11-13; 5:30-8:30 PM
- November 13-15; 5:30-8:30 PM
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].