Home Smart Schedule (click on the month to see schedule)
May June
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 have committed ourselves 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.
2008 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 Education Liaison or call 404-223-5180, ext 163. Click on the month to download a pdf of the schedule.
Saturday, May 3, 9 – 10 am, Trees
Trees can make a yard more beautiful and at the same time, present challenges to homeowners. Come learn what you can and can not do to trees by city ordinance; the benefits of having trees; and how to care for and maintain the trees on your property.
Saturday, May 3, 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.
Saturday, May 10, 9 – 11 am, Money Smart I
What is a credit report? Attend this class and learn how to review and dispute inaccurate credit report information, how to request free credit score reports and how to improve your credit scores. This class may be used to fulfill the credit class requirement. Participants that complete the 3 course Money Smart series are eligible to join BOND Credit Union.
Tuesday, May 13, 7 – 8 pm, 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.
Thursday, May 15, 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.
Tuesday, May 20, 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, May 20, 7 – 8 pm, Crime Prevention
Come to this class and learn how to safely prevent crime and confront neighborhood safety challenges.
Saturday, June 7, 9 – 10 am, 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.
Saturday, June 7, 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, June 10, 7 – 8 pm, 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.
Saturday, June 14, 9-11 am, Money Smart III
Take control of your financial health by attending this series of classes. Learn about budgeting, banking, credit and savings. Participants that complete the 3 course series are eligible to join BOND Credit Union. Please note that you can take the class even if you missed Parts I and II.
Tuesday, June 17, 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, June 17, 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 from King & Spalding law firm will tell you how to protect your personal assets and heirs with an estate plan.
Thursday, June 19, 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.
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