First Time Homebuyer Class

We offer a comprehensive First Time Homeownership class at no cost to participants who are currently "Mortgage Ready." This allows us to focus the curriculum on immediate home-buying strategies.

You qualify for the Free Workshop if you have:

  1. A credit score of 600 or higher.

  2. A total debt-to-income ratio of 45% or less.

  3. Positive cash flow (income is greater than your monthly bills).

To register or to see if you meet guidelines, please reach out to homebuyer@lovecolumbia.org or call 573-356-7662 Option 5.

View 2026 Class Schedule

Not quite there?

Join our Pre-Ownership Class. If you are still working on your credit or debt-to-income ratio, join our Pre-Ownership group. We offer specialized resources and referrals to credit building to help you bridge the gap.

Pre-Ownership Class

More Information:

The First Time Homebuyer Program at Love Columbia is a comprehensive course that covers topics such as the home buying process, financing options, credit management, and post-purchase concerns. The course is designed to equip first-time homebuyers with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions throughout the home buying process. The in-person class is offered 6 times a year. One-on-one coaching sessions are also available.

This class provides invaluable information to any first time homebuyer and meets the down payment requirements for many down payment assistance programs. To be eligible for HUD first time home buyer benefits, individuals must attend a HUD first time homebuyer class taught by a certified HUD agency.

Come learn more about the homebuying process from local real estate agents, lenders, and other homeownership experts.

Services Include:

  • Rental Counseling

  • Homeless Counseling

  • Pre-Ownership Home Buyer Counseling

  • Pre-Purchase Home Buyer Counseling

  • Mortgage Delinquency/Foreclosure Counseling

  • Post-Purchase Home Owner Counseling

January 17th

March 21st

May 16th

July 18th

September 19th

November 7th

Class times are 8:30AM - 12:30PM. Please arrive 15-20 minutes early.

*Classes are held at the Love Columbia Center (1209 E Walnut St)

Not able to attend the homebuyer class in person? Not a problem!

We offer an online class hosted through eHome America for those seeking a convenient way to fulfill HUD eligibility for a first-time homebuyer benefit. The class involves:

$100 registration fee paid to eHome America
test upon completion of the course
one-on-one housing counseling session with Love Columbia to complete the class

For more information, call Love Columbia at 573-256-7662 and press option 5 to register or email homebuyer@lovecolumbia.org

Register for Online Class

  • There is no fee for housing counseling.

  • Counseling appointments are offered in person and over the phone.

  • Love Columbia provides the certification for you to apply through your lender to receive the first time homebuyer incentives.

  • No - The class is designed to help prepare and educate participants on the homebuying process, budgeting, credit, loans, and next steps toward homeownership.