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Consumer Classes Offered for Interested Homebuyers

By Beacon Staff

Over the next several months, a coalition of local non-profits and real estate professionals will be offering public consumer classes for interested home buyers at Flathead Valley Community College. The classes meet local, state and federal consumer awareness program standards and are aimed at offering first-time buyers and experienced owners unbiased information on home and property ownership.

Last fall, I attended one of these classes while reporting on a story about affordable housing. Participants there credited the course with helping them to confidently navigate what, for many, is an intimidating process.

The classes are organized by Cal Scott, a former executive director of the Northwest Montana Realtors Association who operates a nonprofit housing education and counseling organization called ETHIC (Encouraging the Homeownership Ideals for Communities). Other groups involved include Housing Affordability Ladder (HAL), Northwest Montana Human Resources, Glacier Affordable Housing Foundation, Montana Board of Housing, Rural Development, NeighborWorks of Montana, NMAR and United Way.

This winter’s class schedule:

Homebuyers “Certified” Education & Consulting Program
Feb. 21; one day complete program, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March 21; one day complete program, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
April 14, 16 and 21; three part program, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
May 12, 14 and 19, three part program, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Financing Real Estate & Your Credit – Consumer Awareness Program
Thursday, March 26, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 30, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Home and Property Buying & Selling Preparation – Consumer Awareness Program
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24th, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28th, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 11th, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

All classes are held at Flathead Valley Community College.

To Register, call FVCC at 756-3832. For questions, call Cal Scott at 885-6318.