Free Financial Education: Homebuying University

Whether you’re planning to buy your first home or just want to take control of your finances, our financial education workshops offer clear, practical guidance. Join us and take the first step toward a stronger financial future.

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 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 or in-person 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

Insurance 101 with Staci Cussick from Comparion Insurance
March 4th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online or In-person
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Overview of the Homebuying Process & The people/Getting Started led by Meredith Black from IBM Global Real Estate Counsel
March 11th, 2026, 5:30pm – 7:00pm | Online or In-person
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The Home of Your Dreams/The Contract/The Closing led by Meredith Black from IBM Global Real Estate Counsel
March 18th, 2026, 5:30pm – 7:00pm | Online or In-person
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Disaster Prevention & Property Insurance led by Amy Mihalchik from Servpro & John Midwood from Emery & Webb Insurance
March 25th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online or In-person
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Preventive maintenance led by Siobhan Brosnan
April 1st, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online or In-person
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Fidelis Care Insurance led by Carl Garofolo
April 8th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online or In-person
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Title insurance led by Yaritza Ruiz
April 15th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online or In-person
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Credit 101 led by Melissa Landolfi from M&T Bank
April 29th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online or In-person
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Credit led by Ana Tranchina from Walden Savings Bank
May 6th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online or In-person
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Credit 101/Down payment assistance with Glenn Wu from Tompkins Bank
May 13th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online or In-person
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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 or In-person
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Identity Theft led by Charles Broe from MHV
May 27th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online or In-person
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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 or In-person
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Life Insurance led by Michelle Rawl
June 10th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online or In-person
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TBD
June 17th, 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Online or In-person
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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 or In-person
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Receive Homebuying University Updates

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.