Education

We empower future homeowners by helping them make smart decisions during the process.

Education And Counseling

Our HUD-certified Housing Counselors help individuals navigate the entire housing spectrum, from renter resources, to the homebuying process, to home maintenance and financial stability.

For each of the stages in your housing journey, we offer detailed classes and personalized counseling to support you every step of the way.
Sign up for one-on-one counseling sessions by using our NHS Client Portal.

Core Courses

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04/20/2024
In-Person

Homebuyer Education

Our comprehensive course will guide you through the entire homebuying process. We’ll focus on budgeting, improving credit, searching for a home, the closing process and down payment assistance programs.

9AM - 1PM
Register
05/07/2024
Virtual

Financial Literacy

Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this workshop will prepare you for financial security. Learn how to develop a spending plan, reduce your debt, and increase your credit score.

6PM - 8PM
Register
04/18/2024
Virtual

Foreclosure Prevention

We will help you better understand the foreclosure process by discussing home retention and explaining non-retention options, loan modifications, mediation and available mortgage assistance grant program information.

6PM - 7:30PM

All Courses & Seminars

Explore the categories below for a list of courses and seminars that best meet your needs.

Our comprehensive course will guide you through the entire homebuying process. We'll focus on budgeting, improving credit, the closing process and down payment assistance programs.

04/20/2024
In-Person

Homebuyer Education

Saturdays April 20 & 27. Eight-hour course delivered in two 4-hour sessions.  Please note: this course is in-person at Breakthrough Urban Ministries (3330 W Carroll Ave.) and requires you to create an account in our client portal. Due to limited space, participants should not bring extra attendees and guests that are not registered for the course. Additionally, feel free to bring water, drinks and snacks because there is no guarantee that the offsite locations will have access to these amenities.

9AM - 1PM
Register now
05/01/2024
Virtual

Homebuyer Education

Wednesdays May 1, 8, 15 & 22
Eight-hour course delivered in four 2-hour sessions.

6PM - 8PM
Register now
05/11/2024
In-Person

Homebuyer Education

Saturdays May 11 & 18. Eight-hour course delivered in two 4-hour sessions.  Please note: this course is in-person on the West Side and requires you to create an account in our client portal. Due to limited space, participants should not bring extra attendees and guests that are not registered for the course. Additionally, feel free to bring water, drinks and snacks because there is no guarantee that the offsite locations will have access to these amenities.

10AM - 2PM
Register now
06/06/2024
Virtual

Homebuyer Education

Thursdays June 6, 13, 20 & 27.
Eight-hour course delivered in four 2-hour sessions.

6PM - 8PM
Register now

Our financial education workshop helps you prepare for financial security, whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply looking to improve your finances. Learn how to:

  • Develop a spending plan
  • Reduce your debt
  • Increase your credit score
05/07/2024
Virtual

Financial Literacy

Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this workshop will prepare you for financial security.

Learn How To:

  • Develop a spending plan
  • Reduce your debt
  • Increase your credit score
6PM - 8PM
Register now
06/04/2024
Virtual

Financial Literacy

Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this workshop will prepare you for financial security.

Learn How To:

  • Develop a spending plan
  • Reduce your debt
  • Increase your credit score
6PM - 8PM
Register now

Our 90-minute foreclosure prevention education workshop provides insight into the foreclosure process, loan modification options, mediation, forbearance, housing counselor assistance, and mortgage assistance grant programs:

04/18/2024
Virtual

Foreclosure Prevention

One 90-minute session

6PM - 7:30PM
Register now
05/16/2024
Virtual

Foreclosure Prevention

One 90-minute session

6PM - 7:30PM
Register now
06/12/2024
Virtual

Foreclosure Prevention

One 90-minute session

6PM - 7:30PM
Register now
04/23/2024
Virtual

NHS Developer Spotlight: Inherent Homes

Join us for this informative lunchtime webinar where Inherent Homes will give us an overview of the 3C program, all available properties, grants and funding options, and answer your questions. If you are a prospective buyer looking to purchase on the West side of Chicago, dont miss this workshop! Presented by Sonia Del Real from Inherent Homes.

12:30-1:30PM
Register now
04/23/2024
Virtual

Spring Cleaning and DIY Maintenance

Discussing different spring cleaning and home maintenance topics such as when to DIY vs. when to call a professional, lead abatement, common maintenance issues and how to address them, and the advantages of regular home maintenance. Presented by Eya Louis of SOULWorks.

6PM - 7:30PM
Register now
05/09/2024
Virtual

Financial Self Defense

What happens after the mortgage holder passes? Learn tips for Homeowner Savings; Mortgage loan “PITI”, Homeowners Insurance, Property Taxes, Energy Cost, and so much more.

6 - 7:30pm
Register now
05/09/2024
Virtual

The Homebuying Process for Illinois Veterans

Are you a veteran that has been wondering how to navigate the homebuying process? Join us for this informative webinar that will cover:

  • Understanding VA Loans
  • Benefits and Resources for Illinois Veterans
  • Investment Opportunities for Veterans
  • Lenders from Associated Bank will also be in attendance to talk about the financing they offer.
1 - 2pm
Register now
05/14/2024
Virtual

Investing in Financial Markets

Buying property is not the only way to build wealth for your future. In this workshop, we will cover the basics of investing, review stocks, bonds and mutual funds, talk through the fluctucations of the market, and learn more about investing for your retirement. Presented by Christina Ferrer of Be Your Best Financial.

6PM - 8PM
Register now
05/21/2024
Virtual

Solar Power and Electrification

Are you a homeowner looking for ways to reduce your energy costs longterm? This workshop will talk through the different options available, how energy is used in your home through electrification and solar power, and how you can prepare your home for solar power through weatherization. Presented by Eya Louis from SOULWorks.

6PM - 7:30PM
Register now
06/13/2024
Virtual

Financial Self Defense

What happens after the mortgage holder passes? Learn tips for Homeowner Savings; Mortgage loan “PITI”, Homeowners Insurance, Property Taxes, Energy Cost, and so much more.

6 - 7:30pm
Register now

Free 1:1 Sessions

Meet with a HUD-Certified Homeownership Counselor to:

  • Create a plan to achieve your financial goals
  • Get personalized advice for all your questions
  • Prepare for homeownership
  • Reduce housing costs and learn about available financial assistance
  • Avoid foreclosure and facilitate communication with your servicer

Sessions are available over the phone, zoom or in person, but slots fill up quickly!

Schedule an Appointment

Online Education at Your Own Pace

Complete Homebuyer Education with eHome, an online education tool. Proceed at your own pace through six modules, which are also available in Spanish. The regular cost of this course is $99, but use the discount code NHSC49 for a significant reduction in price to $50.

eHome also offers a free, self-paced foreclosure prevention course covering home retention options, the foreclosure timeline, and resources available to help save your home.

Register today

Let’s Get Started

Sign up below to receive monthly notifications on courses and seminars being offered.

Have more questions? Email us at homeownership@nhschicago.org or call NHS Client Services at 773.329.4111.

Monday – Thursday 9:30am – 4pm
Fridays By Appointment Only

(773) 329-4111

homeownership@nhschicago.org

NMLS #276722
IL Mortgage Banker License MB.0000661

CENTRAL OFFICE

850 W. Jackson Blvd.
5th Floor
Chicago, IL 60607

WEST HUMBOLDT PARK

3601 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60651

CHATHAM

639 E. 87th Street
Chicago, IL 60619

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A nonprofit organization established in 1975, NHS is committed to offering Chicago residents affordable resources so they can buy, fix, and keep their homes. We partner with residents, block clubs, neighborhood organizations, financial institutions, the City of Chicago, insurance companies, corporations and foundations so that families can protect and preserve their single biggest investment—their homes. Our mission is creating opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives, and strengthen their neighborhoods. Copyright © 2022 Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Inc. All rights reserved.

All loans are offered through Neighborhood Lending Services, Inc. (NLS), a nonprofit Illinois Residential Mortgage licensee (#M00661) and an Equal Opportunity Housing lender.

Copyright © 2023 Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Inc. All rights reserved.

Your generous support enables us to continue to make tremendous strides in advocating for working families while strengthening and stabilizing neighborhoods.