Free classes are available online and in-person to explain the City of Boulder's homeownership programs and the home-buying process.
If you move forward with an application some of the classes below are required, while others are optional.
Required Class #1: Homeownership Orientation Video
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Orientation gives you the information you need to determine if this is the right program for you. The class provides an overview of the city's homeownership programs, qualification requirements, restrictions, and the application and buying process.
The online orientation consists of watching a video presentation and then completing a test related to the information in the presentation. Receiving a completed test will confirm you have completed this requirement.
We recommended you take this class first. You are required to complete it before you turn in an application.
Watch the video
Watch the Homeownership Program Orientation video below this section, or watch it on our Vimeo page.
- Select the “full screen” mode in the lower right corner of the video box to enlarge the presentation.
- Some may prefer to do step 1 and 2 at the same time. The test questions follow the order of the presentation.
*If you require additional help viewing the video presentation due to disability accessibility or language access needs, please contact homeownership@bouldercolorado.gov or 303-441-3157 to set up an alternative method to complete this required class.
Take the test
Please complete the Orientation Test (opens in a new window or tab). Upload the completed test to the online application portal or include it with the application packet.
- Some may prefer to do step 1 and 2 at the same time. The test questions follow the order of the presentation.
Feedback (optional)
Please send us feedback on this orientation. Tell us what you liked and share ideas for improvement.
- homeownership@bouldercolorado.gov
Phone: 303-441-3157
SubmitRequired Class #2: CHFA Homebuyer Class
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We recommended this class be completed as soon as possible. Required completion date: before one can go under contract on a home.
Topics include:
- Determining how much home you can afford
- Budgeting for homeownership expenses
- How credit affects home buying
- Resources for down payment assistance
- Mortgage financing options
- Real estate contracts
- And home inspections
Applicants who are or have been a homeowner, still must take this class. The class expires after three years, so if an applicant does not purchase a home in that timeframe they will need to take the class again.
You may take this class from any CHFA approved provider in the state, including Boulder County
Register
Boulder County Housing and Community Education offers the CHFA Homebuyer Class at no cost every month. Register early as classes fill up quickly! For more information and to register contact Boulder County at 720-564-2279 Option 2.
You may take the class from any approved Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) agency in Colorado. The training is available in the classroom (free) or online ($99).
Submit
Submit your course completion certificate with your application or send it to homeownership@bouldercolorado.gov if the class was completed after certification.
Optional Educational Opportunities for Interested Homebuyers
Boulder County Community Learning and Empowerment Program offers a variety of financially oriented workshops which may assist you in pursuing many of your financial goals such as homeownership, retirement planning, larger purchases, paying off debt, improving your credit score and much more. The Financial Workshops are designed to meet you where you are to build focus around your unique goals. Through knowledge and skill development, personal reflection and peer to peer learning, you can develop a plan to move towards your financial goals and dreams!
Below you will find a brief description of all the available workshops and a link to the online registration website to learn where and when they are happening, as well as register.
- Exploring My Financial Future
Design your future money picture and discover methods to bring your personal goals to life. - Budgeting on a Small Income
Gain control of your money by creating a useful plan. Make your money stretch further and tap into resources to fill budget shortfalls. - Thoughtful Money Management
Comfortable with basic budgeting? Come to this workshop and evaluate how your spending behavior aligns with your values, increase control and gather easy tips and tricks for thoughtful money management. - Organizing for Financial Management
Don’t let paperwork take over your life. Learn how to design and successfully manage your own personal paper trail. - Communicating for Financial Health
Leave this workshop feeling prepared and confident to have healthy financial conversations. Learn your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. - Building a Banking Relationship
Learn how financial institutions can serve as a tool to help you reach your financial goals. Leave this workshop knowing how to effectively establish, re-establish or end banking relationships. - Investing Basics
Discover how to get started investing, even with small amounts of money. Learn how to plan for taxes in retirement, insurance and various types of retirement plans and investment vehicles. - Credit Reporting, Know the Facts!
Learn how credit really works and ways to improve your credit profile. - Be Informed, Borrow Smart
Explore the rules of borrowing money wisely. Through greater understanding of the terms and conditions associated with borrowing, we position ourselves to use borrowing to help us achieve our financial dreams without weighing us down. - Pathway out of Debt
This is a hands-on workshop for people who have debt. Learn how to look debt in the face and develop realistic plans to tackle it. - Financial Study Hall
This is a free-style workshop that YOU design! During Financial Study Hall, you have supported, dedicated time to work on your budget, track expenses, review your credit report, create plans to reduce debt, and more! Financial Instructors are available to answer questions and provide guidance as you need. Bring your own materials and take advantage of this time to move towards your version of financial success. Computers available or bring your own laptop.
Interested in a confidential, individual appointment? Then contact the Boulder County Personal Finance Program to schedule a meeting:
- PersonalFinance@bouldercounty.org
720-564-2279 Option 1