Frequently Asked Questions about the THDA Homebuyer Education Program

Who is required to complete the Education/Counseling requirement?

THDA recognizes the impact Homebuyer Education & Counseling has created for many homeowners across the state, and we understand the value it brings. Because of this, we feel every future homeowner would benefit from receiving Homebuyer Education in order to learn the steps of the home-buying process and how to be a sustainable homeowner. THDA requires Homebuyer Education for all borrowers applying for a THDA mortgage loan.

What is the cost of the Homebuyer Education class?

Education Class: Each agency is able to set their own class fee within limits set by THDA. The cost will be listed on the Class Calendar information, along with what is included. The cost will not be more than $99 and no less than $25 per household.

Online Course: $99 per household

Housing Counseling (Required for Online Course): No additional fees should be charged to households who complete the eHome America online course. However, in the event all borrowers in the household do not attend the initial scheduled follow-up counseling session, a reasonable fee may be charged for any additional counseling sessions required for that household.

Does THDA allow refunds?
THDA does not issue refunds. We believe that the education will be beneficial regardless of the loan product you choose.

Is there a discount available to cover the cost of the course?

A discount code is made available for employees participating in the State of Tennessee Employee Initiative (STEP
IN) Program through their employers, to complete the Pre-Purchase Online course. Click here for more
information.

What steps are needed to get registered?

Pre-Purchase Education Classes (Facilitator Led):
To sign up, click here for a calendar of upcoming classes. Then follow these steps Look for a class in a city near you, or virtual class if applicable.

1. Click on the name of the class.
2. Contact information for the provider will pop up.
3. Call or email the provider to enroll in the class.

If you're having trouble using the calendar to find a class near you, please click here for detailed instructions.

Online eHome America Pre-Purchase Course:
Click here to visit the THDA section of eHome America. Then follow these steps:

1. On the right-hand side of the webpage, select your county from the list (or the county closest to you).
2. Click "Continue."
3. Click the button by the type of course you need to take.
4. Click "Get Started."
5. Click "Select" under the name of the course provider closest to you.
6. Click the button next to "individual" or "couple."
7. Click "Submit."
8. Fill in the online registration form.

How do I find an approved Housing Counseling Agency in my area?

Participants in THDA programs can find the approved Housing Counseling Agency closest to them by clicking this link and choosing their home county.

Are classes offered in Spanish?

Yes. Agencies with Spanish-speaking Counselors are identified on the List of Approved Agencies on the THDA
website with the description “Spanish” in bold, beside the agency name. For the online course, there is also
information in the agency description during registration, that identifies if the agency offers services in Spanish.

What is Homebuyer Education?

Formal classes, with established curriculum and instructional goals, provided in a group or classroom setting, or
other formats approved by HUD, covering topics such as, but not limited to: (1) renter rights; (2) the home buying
process; (3) how to maintain a home; (4) budgeting; (5) fair housing and civil rights; (6) identifying and reporting
predatory lending practices; and (7) the importance of good credit. – REF HUD Handbook 7610.1 Rev 6

What are the approved education curriculum THDA accepts?

Realizing the American Dream, Finally Home, and eHome America (Online)
NOTE: THDA does not accept the following courses – CreditSmart, Home Ready, FrameWorks

What is Homeownership Counseling?

Housing counseling that covers the decision to purchase a home, the selection and purchase of a home, issues
arising during or affecting the period of ownership of a home (including financing, refinancing, default, foreclosure,
and other financial decisions) and the sale or other disposition of a home. REF HUD Handbook 7610.1 Rev 6

At what step in the home buying process should someone complete education requirement?

It is recommended that Homebuyer Education be completed as the first step in the home buying process, as the
course content is designed to inform and prepare consumers prior to entering into a contractual agreement. It is
never too early to complete homebuyer education. In an effort to ensure the most effective experience and
outcome, it is encouraged that the course be completed no later than 4 weeks prior to closing. When completing
the education early in the home buying process, this allows sufficient time for consumers to gain and process the
provided information to make the best-informed decision.

Who facilitates the Pre-Purchase Homebuyer Education class and Housing Counseling sessions?

THDA partners with HUD-approved Housing Counseling agencies, which consists of non-profit organizations and
University of Tennessee (UT) County Extension Offices. Each approved provider is HUD-certified through HUD’s
Office of Housing Counseling (OHC) and in compliance with all THDA Housing Education & Counseling Program
Guidelines, HUD OHC Guidelines, and adopters of the National Industry Standards specific to Homeownership
Education and Counseling.

Does THDA require Pre-Purchase Homebuyer Education and/or Homeownership Counseling?

THDA allows consumers to select the option that works best for them. Pre-Purchase Homebuyer Education classes are offered in-person and virtually, depending on the agency. This facilitator-led course is 6 – 8 hours and a copy of the curriculum material is provided to the consumer. An online education course is available, using the eHome America Pre-Purchase course. When this method is selected, Homeownership Counseling is also required after the completion of the online course.

Is online education an option?

An online education course is available, using the eHome America Pre-Purchase course. When this method is
selected, Homeownership Counseling is also required after the completion of the online course. The assigned
Housing Counselor will contact the borrower after the online course is completed.

It is important to note the following timelines for online education and Homeownership Counseling:

• THDA allows the HUD-approved Counselor 48 hours (2 business days), from the date of course
  completion, to contact the consumer to schedule the required counseling session.
• THDA allows the HUD-approved Counselor 7 business days, from the date of course completion,
  to conduct the required counseling session.
• If the consumer account is transferred to a new agency, this timeline restarts with the new agency.
• Both the online course and the counseling session must be completed in order to receive the THDA
  approved Certificate of Completion.

THDA staff must approve any online borrower transfers from one housing counseling agency to another one. Transfers often slow down the scheduling process and will only be approved in certain situations. See page 32 of the OA Guide to learn more about scenarios where a transfer would be approved or you can email homebuyereducationinfo@thda.org to get more information. 

What should a borrower expect if they attend a Homebuyer Education class?

During this group education course, multiple households will gain information and review course material
simultaneously, to allow for the opportunity to ask questions for a broad discussion. Course attendees will be
allowed to take the course material home for future reference. Many agencies utilize housing professionals to
discuss various parts of the course, creating an opportunity for consumers to learn from multiple speakers.
Course attendees are also offered the opportunity to continue the process, through Housing Counseling, if
preferred.

What should a borrower expect if they complete a Homeownership Counseling session?

During this individual session, the borrower(s) will receive independent, expert advisement - customized to the
need of the consumer to address the consumer's housing barriers and to help achieve their housing goals. The
borrower(s) will be required to complete an intake (completed online for eHome America customers); financial
and housing affordability analysis; an action plan; and provide post-closing updates if possible.
NOTE: In an effort to ensure an effective outcome, consumers should be prepared to provide any of the following
documentation – bank statements, pay stubs, W-2, personal budgets, credit reports, etc.

Is there a list of THDA approved Housing Counseling Agencies?

• Click here for a list of all THDA HUD-approved Counseling Agencies

When is the Certificate of Completion Issued?

A THDA-approved Certificate of Completion is issued once all education and/or Counseling requirements have
been met by all required household members. This includes the completion of the course, submission of
requested documentation, attendance & participation in the Counseling session, if applicable. The THDA-approved Certificate of Completion is good for 12 months from the date of issuance. The borrower(s) must retake the course, if needed, after the certificate expiration.

Any education or counseling that takes place after January 1, 2025 will require the eHome America certificate of completion for online counseling sessions and the 2025 THDA certificate of completion for in-person, virtual, post purchase, or STEP IN education or counseling sessions. See Lender Notice 2024-38 for more information about this update.

**For any additional questions, feel free to contact the THDA Housing Education & Resource Team directly at
homebuyereducationinfo@thda.org.