Buy a Home
Buying a home is exciting, but also quite complicated. Every home buying experience is different. Each has its own twists and turns. There are so many things to think about from financing to finding a home to homeowners insurance. Keep these in mind before you buy a home. Homeownership counseling will walk you through the process from beginning to end. Contact Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc. (BENI), at 410-485-8422 for all of your homeownership questions.
Belair-Edison Neighborhoods Inc. (BENI) is a designated Healthy Neighborhoods community, Baltimore Main Streets partner organization, and a HUD-certified comprehensive housing counseling agency.
Buying vs. Renting
Deciding to purchase a home is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. That’s why it’s important to determine whether buying vs. renting is your best option.
It’s important that you do your research ahead of time so that you can make the most informed decision based on your circumstances.
Is buying a home right for you? It may make sense if you:
- Are planning on staying in your home for at least five years.
- Have reliable income, good credit, and documentation to verify your savings.
- Can afford at least a 3% downpayment and related closing costs.
- Have an adequate cash reserve to withstand a loss of job, illness, or other financial setback.
- Have the time and money required for home maintenance and improvement projects.
- Want a chance to build equity and be eligible for homeowner tax breaks and credits.
Still can’t decide, talk to one of BENI’s Housing Counselors at 410-485-8422.
Homebuyer Education & Counseling
The first step in the homebuying process is to start with homebuying education. This should consist of a HUD approved first time homebuyers workshop, coupled with an individual session with a housing counselor. The workshop will give you a solid foundation for the entire process; starting with financing, home selection, negotiation, closing and finally keeping your new home. There is a wealth of information to be gained from the industry professionals that speak at each session. The individual sessions with counselors will be specific to your individual situation. The discussion will center around credit, employment, budget and savings.
First Time Homebuyer Workshops
Because the process of buying a home can often be confusing and time consuming, the First Time Homebuyer Workshop was created to educate interested individuals about the homebuying process, and what to expect with the purchase of their first home. Counselors from Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc., (BENI) work closely with the homebuyer through every step in an effort to simplify and reduce the stress of the process.
Check out our Workshop schedule Here. Baltimore County and City workshops are held every month EXCEPT December. There is also a digital workshop that can be taken at anytime for a nominal fee. Workshops are open to any first time homebuyers who are planning to purchase a home in Baltimore City. Workshop WILL NOT qualify you for Baltimore County or anywhere else outside of Baltimore City.
For more information on BENI’s First Time Homebuyer Workshops, call 410-485-8422 or click here.
