Home Smart Schedule (click on the month to view the schedule)
Download a full 2009 Home Smart Class schedule here.
June July
A little-known, but crucial component of Atlanta Habitat’s success is Home Smart, the Atlanta Habitat Homeowner Education Program, which provides extensive training in homeownership skills. After partnering with families, sponsors, and volunteers to build a home, we continue to work with families to ensure a successful transition into economic stability and self-sufficiency. Atlanta Habitat homebuyers are all first-time homeowners. Many, if not most, are also first-time house dwellers. As a result, they have little experience with the responsibilities and mechanics of home maintenance and yard care. We work to provide strong homeowner education so that our homeowners have the tools and knowledge to be successful in homeownership.
Each homebuyer is required to attend 12 homeowner education classes during the first year lease period as a requirement for closing on their homes. Seven to eight classes are scheduled each month so homeowner can attend at a convenient time. Education classes include topics such as financial management, landscaping and yard care, community involvement, pest control, predatory lending, insurance and more. The initial and final classes in the series is an exciting, hands-on workshop in our Homeowner Maintenance Education Room, called HOME Room, where a trainer provides more than 100 tips on basic home repair and maintenance. Even after closing, homeowners are encouraged to attend any of our classes as a "refresher" or to take advantage of new offerings. Staff and volunteers -- appropriate experts within the community -- conduct all education classes, which are augmented with a homeowner manual.
By proactively providing essential information and training, Atlanta Habitat gives homebuyers the tools they need to maintain and even enhance their investments in their homes, to understand and prioritize their expenses and to be actively involved in public schools and their neighborhood. Providing educational opportunities and mandating attendance are key to Atlanta Habitat’s impressive homeowner retention rate - only 14 foreclosures in 25 years in operation!
We are committed to the goal of successful homeownership. Through homeowner outreach, education and empowerment, Atlanta Habitat fosters independence, community involvement and financial stability for the families we serve. These strong and independent homeowner families, in turn, positively impact their communities.
2009 Home Smart Class Schedule
Class topics are subject to change. These classes are only available to Atlanta Habitat homeowners. All classes are held at the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity office in the Homeowner Education Room. For more information, please email the Homeowner Education Manager, or call 404-223-5180, ext 163. Click on the month to download a pdf of the schedule.
Download a full 2009 Home Smart Class schedule here.
* Denotes a recent change in the schedule.
*Saturday, June 6, 9 – 10 am, Kid Power
Running a household can be challenging. This class will offer you a way to make use of your home’s best natural resource… your children. Learn fun and creative ways to involve your children in home management.
Saturday, June 6, 9 – 10:30 am, HOME Room II
Learn about home maintenance, how to choose a vendor when you can’t do the work, and how to access the funds held in your maintenance account. This maintenance class is designed for homebuyers at the end of their educational sequence, or as a maintenance refresher.
Tuesday, June 9, 7 – 8 pm, Trees
Trees can make a yard more beautiful and at the same time, present challenges to homeowners. Come learn about city tree ordinances; the benefits of having trees; and how to care for and maintain the trees on your property.
Wednesday, June 10, 12 – 1 pm, Budgeting
Understand how to evaluate your family finances, how to identify financial goals and how to create a budget to keep you on track. It is important to understand your expenses and how to save for future needs.
Saturday, June 13, 9 – 10 am, Introduction to Homeownership
This class is designed for Atlanta Habitat homebuyers who have just moved into their new home. It explores the differences between renting and owning a home and discusses the first year home warranty in detail.
Tuesday, June 16, 7 – 8 pm, Understanding Your Mortgage
Do you understand what is included in your mortgage payment? Atlanta Habitat’s legal department gives a detailed overview of how your mortgage is structured and outlines the legal parameters of homeownership.
Tuesday, June 16, 7 – 8:30 pm, HOME Room I
Learn the basics of home maintenance. Although this class is designed to be taken during the first month of living in your new home, you may attend any time. First time participants receive a toilet auger.
Thursday, June 18, 2:30 – 5:30 pm, Orientation
This class is the required first class for approved Atlanta Habitat homebuyers. During this time, you will learn about Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, the requirements for home purchase, the legal issues involved in homeownership, the construction schedule and more.
Friday, July 10, 10 am –12 pm, Be Prepared…Before You Miss a Payment
What happens if you can’t make your mortgage payment on time? This class will help you develop a plan so if you experience an “income emergency”, you are able to make your mortgage and other payments while seeking new sources of income. This class is also recommended if you are currently unemployed.
Saturday, July 11, 9 – 11 am, So You Want to Remodel? Or Build a Fence?
Have you wanted to make home improvements or add a shed or fence to your yard, but do not know where to start? There is much to learn about obtaining city permits, creating a plan, finding a contractor, and getting the work done and inspected. Come find out how and then get started!
Saturday, July 11, 9 – 10:30 am, HOME Room I
Learn the basics of home maintenance. Although this class is designed to be taken during the first month of living in your new home, you may attend any time. First time participants receive a toilet auger.
Tuesday, July 14, 7 – 8 pm, Introduction to Homeownership
This class is for Atlanta Habitat homebuyers who have just moved into their new home. It explores the differences between renting and owning a home and discusses the first year home warranty in detail.
Thursday, July 16, 2:30 – 5:30 pm, Orientation
This class is the required first class for approved Atlanta Habitat homebuyers. During this time, you will learn about Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, the requirements for home purchase, the legal issues involved in homeownership, the construction schedule and more.
Saturday, July 18, 9 – 10 am, Credit
The world of credit can be confusing. Come to class to learn how to request and understand your personal credit report as well as how to improve your credit score.
Tuesday, July 21, 7 - 8:30 pm, HOME Room II
Learn even more about home maintenance, how to choose a vendor when you can’t do the work and how to access the funds held in your maintenance account. This maintenance class is designed for homebuyers at the end of their educational sequence, or as a maintenance refresher.
Tuesday, July 21, 7 – 8 pm, Estate Planning
What happens to your home, your assets and your family if you do not have a will and the unthinkable happens? An attorney will tell you how to protect your personal assets and heirs with an estate plan.
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