Home Smart Schedule (click on the month to view the schedule)
July
A little-known, but crucial component of Atlanta Habitat’s success is Home Smart, the Atlanta Habitat Homeowner Education Program, which provides extensive training in homeownership skills. After partnering with families, sponsors, and volunteers to build a home, we continue to work with families to ensure a successful transition into economic stability and self-sufficiency. Atlanta Habitat homebuyers are all first-time homeowners. Many, if not most, are also first-time house dwellers. As a result, they have little experience with the responsibilities and mechanics of home maintenance and yard care. We work to provide strong homeowner education so that our homeowners have the tools and knowledge to be successful in homeownership.
Each homebuyer is required to attend 12 homeowner education classes during the first year lease period as a requirement for closing on their homes. Seven to eight classes are scheduled each month so homeowner can attend at a convenient time. Education classes include topics such as financial management, landscaping and yard care, community involvement, pest control, predatory lending, insurance and more. The initial and final classes in the series is an exciting, hands-on workshop in our Homeowner Maintenance Education Room, called HOME Room, where a trainer provides more than 100 tips on basic home repair and maintenance. Even after closing, homeowners are encouraged to attend any of our classes as a "refresher" or to take advantage of new offerings. Staff and volunteers -- appropriate experts within the community -- conduct all education classes, which are augmented with a homeowner manual.
By proactively providing essential information and training, Atlanta Habitat gives homebuyers the tools they need to maintain and even enhance their investments in their homes, to understand and prioritize their expenses and to be actively involved in public schools and their neighborhood. Providing educational opportunities and mandating attendance are key to Atlanta Habitat’s impressive homeowner retention rate - only 14 foreclosures in 25 years in operation!
We are committed to the goal of successful homeownership. Through homeowner outreach, education and empowerment, Atlanta Habitat fosters independence, community involvement and financial stability for the families we serve. These strong and independent homeowner families, in turn, positively impact their communities.
2008 Home Smart Class Schedule
Class topics are subject to change. These classes are only available to Atlanta Habitat homeowners. All classes are held at the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity office in the Homeowner Education Room. For more information, please email the Education Liaison, or call 404-223-5180, ext 163. Click on the month to download a pdf of the schedule.
Tuesday, July 8, 7 – 8 pm, Introduction to Homeownership
This class is designed for Atlanta Habitat homebuyers who have just moved into their new home. It explores the differences between renting and owning a home and discusses the first year home warranty in detail.
Saturday, July 12, 9 – 10:30 am, Faux Painting
Did you know that you can use paint to make your walls look wallpapered? There are many painting techniques you can use to give your interior walls a fresh, exciting look. This decorating class is not to be missed!
Saturday, July 12, 9 – 10:30 am, HOME Room I
Learn the basics of home maintenance. Although this class is designed to be taken during the first month of living in your new home, you may attend any time. First time participants receive a toilet auger.
Tuesday, July 15, 7 – 9 pm, Conflict Resolution
As much as we try to life “conflict-free,” at times we have disagreements with our neighbors, families and co-workers. The Academy of Conflict Resolution will present ways to handle conflict so you can solve difficult issues more easily.
Tuesday, July 15, 7 - 8:30 pm, HOME Room II
Learn even more about home maintenance, how to choose a vendor when you can’t do the work, and how to access the funds held in your maintenance account. This maintenance class is designed for homebuyers at the end of their educational sequence, or as a maintenance refresher.
Thursday, July 17, 2:30 – 5:30 pm Orientation
This class is the required first class for approved Atlanta Habitat homebuyers. During this time, you will learn about Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, the requirements for home purchase, the legal issues involved in homeownership, the construction schedule and more.
Saturday, July 19, 9 – 10 am, Budgeting
Learn about the basics of budgeting. Understand how to evaluate your family finances, how to create financial goals and how to create a budget to keep you on track. It is important to understand your expenses and how to save for future needs.
Saturday, July 26, 9 – 10 am, Dog Ownership 101
Are you thinking about getting a dog? A puppy? What is normal dog behavior? Jabula Dog Academy will teach this class to give you all the information you need to be a confident dog owner!
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