Free Financial Education: Homebuying University

What Is the Homebuying University Program?

Habitat Dutchess offers a free, hands-on financial education program that equips individuals with the knowledge they need to take charge of their money and move confidently toward their financial goals.

Whether your goals are buying a home with Habitat, on the open market, or setting another goal, our expert educators are with you every step of the way.

Topics our workshops cover include:

  • Budgeting that fits real life
  • Understanding credit reports and scores
  • Managing debt and loans
  • Saving and planning for the future
  • Navigating emergencies
  • Mortgages and homeownership prep
  • Future planning: wills & foreclosure prevention
  • Self-owned business and homebuying
  • Home maintenance and repairs

What You Will Get From Homebuying University

This program isn’t about lectures, it’s about transformation. Whether you’re hoping to buy a home, improve your credit, or just feel more in control, we’ll walk with you every step of the way. Habitat Dutchess partners with Homebuying Navigators, or field experts in all areas of financial fitness and homebuying from lenders, to municipalities, to home inspectors our classes are taught by experts who are in the know. 

By participating, you will:

  • Take steps toward homeownership with confidence
  • Work one-on-one with a financial coach who will customize a program to meet your goals
  • Learn from Homebuying Navigators who are field experts in their professions
  • Complete 10 classes to participate in the Homebuying University Graduation Celebration with gifts, prizes and awards for participation
  • Gain clarity about your financial situation
  • Build habits that support long-term goals
  • Reduce stress around money
  • Learn how to prepare for unexpected costs

What Participants Are Saying…

The program has given me the information and courage to pursue my dream of home ownership.

Homebuying University Graduate Spring 2025

Join an Upcoming Event

Questions? Contact Jennifer Buitrago Jennifer.Buitrago@habitatdutchess.org, 845-297-0806 x 4

Title Insurance led by Yaritza Ruiz from Absolutely Clear Title
September 9, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual
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Debt & Budgeting led by Michelle Rawl
September 23, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual
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Qualifying as a Self-Employed Borrower led by David Friedman from Ulster Savings
September 30, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual
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Insurance 101 led by Staci Cussick from Comparion Insurance
October 7, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual
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Save Energy, Save Dollars led by Rocio Sharrock from Cornell Cooperative Extension
October 14, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual
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Budgeting led by Brittany Cataldo from M&T Bank
October 21, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual
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Identity Theft led by Charles Broe from MHV
October 28, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual
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Life Insurance led by Michelle Rawl
November 4, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual
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Credit 101 / Down Payment Assistance led by Glenn Wu from Tompkins Bank
November 18, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual
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Buying on the Open Market led by Sandi Park from Coldwell Banker Realty
December 2, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual
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Credit Awareness for Homeownership led by Sara Conklin from TD Bank
December 9, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual
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SMART Goals & Self-Care led by Heather Ann Pitcher from The Brain & Body Coalition LLC
December 14, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual
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Winter Weather Property Damage & Homeowners Insurance led by Amy Mihalchik from SERVPRO and Staci Cussick from Comparion Insurance
December 16, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual
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Reciba actualizaciones de la Universidad de Compra de Vivienda

¡Bienvenido a la Universidad de Compra de Vivienda!

Este curso está diseñado para guiar a individuos y familias a través de los pasos esenciales para prepararse para adquirir una vivienda propia. Ya sea que apenas esté comenzando a considerar la idea de comprar una casa o que se encuentre activamente trabajando para hacer realidad su sueño, este programa semestral le ofrece las herramientas, los conocimientos y los recursos necesarios para tomar decisiones informadas y con confianza.

Formato del curso:
Las clases se ofrecen tanto en formato presencial como virtual para adaptarse a una variedad de horarios y preferencias de aprendizaje.

Los temas del curso incluyen:

  • Compra de una vivienda en el mercado abierto
  • Reducción de deudas y planificación financiera
  • Aspectos esenciales del mantenimiento del hogar
  • Creación de historial crediticio y protección contra el robo de identidad
  • ¡Y mucho más!

Opción de certificación:
Los participantes tienen la oportunidad de completar un curso de certificación para compradores de primera vivienda a través de PathStone o Hudson River Housing.

  • Este certificado equivale a 2 créditos de clase para la graduación de Habitat Dutchess.
  • Puede calificar a los participantes para recibir asistencia con el pago inicial por parte de prestamistas seleccionados.
  • Tenga en cuenta: este curso de certificación tiene un costo adicional.

Requisitos de graduación (Habitat Dutchess):
Para graduarse con Habitat Dutchess, los participantes deben completar un mínimo de 4 clases.

Los graduados recibirán:
abogados, vendedores e inspectores, y cómo trabajar con ellos de manera eficaz. También aborda cómo contratar a un agente inmobiliario, realizar la búsqueda de una propiedad y considerar factores como la ubicación y los distritos escolares. Además, los participantes explorarán los diferentes tipos de vivienda (cooperativas, condominios, casas adosadas y casas independientes), los precios de compra y los costos de mantenimiento continuos. Ideal para compradores primerizos que buscan confianza y claridad en su camino hacia la adquisición de una vivienda propia.

Join an Upcoming Homebuying University Event

Habitat Dutcess offers FREE homebuying education classes that are open to anyone interested in becoming a homeowner (even if it’s not through Habitat). Classes are offered virtually to meet your busy schedule.

To earn your program certificate, you must complete a minimum of 10 classes.

Questions? Contact Homeownership Services Coordinator, Jennifer Buitrago: Jennifer.Buitrago@habitatdutchess.org, 845-297-0806 option 4

Upcoming Classes

Credit led by Ana Tranchina from Walden Savings Bank
May 6th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online
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Credit 101/Down payment assistance with Glenn Wu from Tompkins Bank
May 13th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online
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SMART GOALS and Self-Care led by Heather Ann Pitcher from The Brain & Body Coalition LLC.
May 20th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online
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Identity Theft led by Charles Broe from MHV
May 28th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online
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Becoming a homeowner financial literacy led by Sandra Alvarez from Heritage Financial Credit Union
June 3rd, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online
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Life Insurance led by Michelle Rawl
June 10th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online
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TBD
June 17th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online
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How to prepare to purchase a home led by Ana Tranchina from Walden Savings Bank
June 24th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend the financial education workshops?

Anyone in the community interested in improving their financial literacy—no prior experience or Habitat homebuying program enrollment required.

Is there a cost to attend?

No. These workshops are free and open to the public.

Do I have to be applying for a Habitat home to attend?

Not at all. These workshops are valuable for anyone looking to improve their financial skills.

Will this help me buy a home?

Yes. Many participants use what they learn to qualify for affordable homeownership, including Habitat programs.

How long is the workshop?

Workshops vary, but most sessions are 1.5–2 hours. Some programs include multiple sessions.