Your Path to Homeownership

Learn how to buy your first home with confidence and explore the process for down payment grants and assistance. Avoid costly mistakes and get the info you need to buy smart. August 25 & 26, 2025 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Appleton Public Library Food and refreshments will be provided. Attend in-person or virtually. FREE and open to the general public. Pre-registration preferred, walk-ins accepted. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP In collaboration with La Casa de Esperanza, WHEDA, and AREAA Greater Milwaukee, HWCC is excited to present “Your Path to Home Ownership.” GRANTS This program is designed to educate and assist individuals and families in qualifying for grants for home purchases in HUD-designated areas. To qualify for the grants, participants must attend two classes (totaling six hours) and complete a one-on-one counseling session to be certified. Counseling and certification is also free, there is no additional costs. Even if participants do not intend to buy a home in a HUD area or do not qualify for the program, they are still welcome to attend and learn. PROGRAM DETAILS Participants will: - Learn the home buying process - Earn a home buyer certificate - Learn about home buyer grants and other down payment assistance - Hear from homebuying professionals (realtors, lenders, home inspector and more) Homebuyer Education and Counseling: - This HUD-approved education and counseling program is required for many down payment assistance programs and some first-time homebuyer products, depending on lender requirements. - Each assistance program has its own eligibility criteria and guidelines, in addition to mortgage approval requirements. - Down payment assistance can come in the form of grants or forgivable loans, which can be used toward down payment and/or closing costs. - Grant: A grant is a fund given by an organization for a specific purpose and does not need to be repaid. - Forgivable Loan: A forgivable loan is a loan that does not need to be repaid, provided the borrower does not sell or move from the home within a specified period, typically five years. In this case, 20% of the loan is forgiven each year.