
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.
Universidad de Compra de Vivienda – Verano de 2026
Este curso está diseñado para guiar a individuos y familias a través de los pasos esenciales para prepararse para adquirir una vivienda propia.
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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


¡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.
Únase a un próximo evento de la Universidad de Compra de Vivienda
Preguntas? Jennifer Buitrago, Coordinadora de Servicios de Propiedad de Vivienda Jennifer.Buitrago@habitatdutchess.org, 845-297-0806 x 4
Principios de Deuda y Presupuesto dirigido por Michelle Rawl
15 de julio de 2026, 5:30 p. m. – 6:30 p. m. | Virtual
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Seminario para Compradores de Vivienda dirigido por Norbin Cruz
22 de julio de 2026, 5:30 p. m. – 6:30 p. m. | Virtual
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Seguros de vida dirigido por Michelle Rawl
28 de julio de 2026, 5:30 p. m. – 6:30 p. m. | Virtual
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Preparándose para comprar su primera casa dirigido por Jessica Figueroa
5 de agosto de 2026, 5:30 p. m. – 6:30 p. m. | Virtual
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Qué esperar al comprar una vivienda dirigido por Ana Tranchina de Walden Savings Bank
12 de agosto de 2026, 5:30 p. m. – 6:30 p. m. | Virtual
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Seguro de Titulo 101 dirigido por Yaritza Ruiz
19 de agosto de 2026, 5:30 p. m. – 6:30 p. m. | Virtual
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Crédito 101 / Asistencia para el pago inicial dirigido por Glenn Wu
27 de agosto de 2026, 5:30 p. m. – 6:30 p. m. | Virtual
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Encontré la casa. ¿Y ahora qué? dirigido por Jessica Figueroa
2 de septiembre de 2026, 5:30 p. m. – 6:30 p. m. | Virtual
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Reciba actualizaciones de la Universidad de Compra de Vivienda
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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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.
