(617) 822-9100 | info@mahahome.org | 1803 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester MA 02124

 

About Homebuyer Education

The award-winning classes and the experienced home purchase advisors at MAHA's Homeownership University give you the nuts and bolts of working with real estate agents, choosing an affordable mortgage, accessing downpayment and closing cost assistance, as well as budgeting, planning, record keeping, home repair and taxes.

Join the over 48,000 MAHA graduates since 1991. 

Class Offerings

Homebuyer 101

Homebuyer 101 is a live course taught over Zoom or in person by one of MAHA’s HUD-certified Homeownership Advisors. In the course you’ll learn about budgeting, credit scores, getting approved for a mortgage, working with a real estate agent, what to expect during closing, downpayment and closing costs, private mortgage insurance, and fair lending laws. Upon graduation of Homebuyer 101, you will receive a certificate that gives you access to MHP’s ONE Mortgage program, MassHousing mortgages, and homeownership lotteries. Your certificate will be valid for 3 years after graduation. Homebuyer 101 costs $25 for residents of Boston, and $50 for those who live outside of Boston.

 
 

Framework Homebuyer:
Learn on Your Own

MAHA offers a self-paced Homebuyer course in partnership with the national platform, Framework. This course consists of two parts. First, you will complete an online homebuyer course called Framework on your own time. This course costs $75. Second, you will attend an in person or virtual session with a MAHA Homeownership Advisor where you will get Massachusetts specific information and the opportunity to ask any questions. This session costs $25. Upon completing both, you will receive your certificate that will be valid for 3 years

Homeowner 201

You bought a home! Now comes the long-term work of maintaining and keeping your home. In Homeowner 201, you’ll learn about property management and maintenance, making green improvements, budgeting and record keeping, homeowners insurance, foreclosure prevention, and estate planning.

This free class fulfills the landlord class requirement for MassHousing loans and the Boston Home Center's Financial Assistance Program.

Upon graduation of Homeowner 201, you will become eligible for discounts through participating insurance companies. See HomeSafe Discounts below.

What You'll Learn: MAHA's Curriculum for Homeowners

Condo Owner 202

You bought a condo! Now comes the long-term work of maintaining your condo, while understanding the special nature of condo ownership. In Condo Owner 202, you’ll learn about property management and maintenance, financial management and tax planning, condo insurance, the legal structure of condos, and condo associations.

This free class fulfills the Boston Home Center's Financial Assistance Program requirement for condo buyers.

Upon graduation of Condo Owner 202, you will become eligible for discounts through participating insurance companies. See HomeSafe Discounts below.

What You'll Learn: MAHA's Curriculum for New Condo Owners

Foreclosure Prevention Counseling

MAHA is committed to sustainable homeownership. At the current time, we are providing counseling to help SoftSecond/ONE mortgage holders. Complete the form below and MAHA's counselor will get in touch with you within 2 business days. Know your rights. Learn about what is possible for you and your family.

Homebuyer Discounts

HomeSafe Discounts

You know about good driver discounts. How about a good homeowner discount? MAHA has negotiated with insurance companies and area retail stores to secure money saving HomeSafe℠ discounts for our graduates of Homeowner 201 or Condo Owner 202.

Graduates of Homeowner 201 and Condo Owner 202 will be able to access discounts from participating insurance companies. 

Participating companies:

  • Arbella Insurance offers a 10% discount
  • Harleysville Worcester Insurance offers a 10% discount
  • Commerce/MAPFRE offers a 7% discount
  • Liberty Mutual offers a 5% discount
  • Met Life Auto & Home offers a 5% discount
  • Quincy Mutual offers a 5% discount
  • Safety Insurance offers a 5% discount
  • Boston Building Resources offers a 1-year free membership
  • Mass Energy offers a 1-year free membership
  • After completing the workshops, graduates will receive a HomeSafe℠ certificate that is presented to participating insurance agents.
     

  • Not necessarily. Insurance companies will still underwrite a policy according to their standard guidelines. However, legislation supported by MAHA has made it likely that there will be increased competition among insurance companies in urban neighborhoods and more homeowners have a better chance to secure an affordable insurance policy by participating in HomeSafe℠. 

  • Most insurers will provide the discount each year that you remain in your home. MAHA will review our agreement with each participating company regularly. 

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