What is the first thing I need to do to buy a home?
The first thing you need to do is sign up for Homebuying 101. To be eligible for any of the financial assistance offered by the City of Boston, or any of the property offered to first time homebuyers, you must attend this course.

How long is the course and is there a fee?
Most courses run for four weeks, two hours a week. A limited number of courses are held over two Saturdays. There is no charge for the course.

Where are the courses held?
The courses are held in different neighborhoods throughout the City.

How do I register for the HB101 course?
Just call the Boston Home Center at 635-HOME (4663) to put your name on a mailing list or to reserve a space in a particular class if openings are presently available.

How many classes do I need to attend?
All five. Classes contain so much valuable information that you will need to know when purchasing a home. But if you need to miss a class due to a scheduling conflict, we can make arrangements for make up classes.

Do I need to buy in Boston to get the benefits of the program?
Yes, these neighborhoods include: Allston/Brighton, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Dorchester, Downtown, East Boston, Fenway/Kenmore, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mission Hill, North End/Waterfront, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, South End, West Roxbury.

If I take Homebuying 101 will I automatically get a house?
No; however, anyone who completes the Homebuying 101 course and meets the income guidelines qualifies for closing cost assistance: $500 off a single family or a condo, $750 off a two family or $1,000 off a three family home or a condo in the association that someone is currently living.

You could also be eligible for a grant of up to 2% on a two-family or 5% on a three-family to help with your downpayment. This is based on a needs test.

Can I sit down with a counselor before taking the HB101 course?
No, you are only eligible to have one-on-one counseling after you have completed the course.

Do you have a listing of all property that the city owns?
No, the only listings of City property are those that the city is currently selling via the Residential Development Program or new construction on rehab projects that will be sold to first time homebuyers.

As far as a list of all city owned property there is not one. The Listings change so frequently that it would be impossible for the city to provide a listing on a regular basis.

I am very handy so I want to buy a "fixer-upper" house. Does the Boston Home Center have any suggestions on this?
The Boston Home Center always recommends that you have a home inspection from an experienced, qualified home inspector before you decide whether or not to go through with a sale. The inspector can show you areas needing work or point out building code violations that should be fixed. It is advisable to get estimates from licensed contractors so you know how much things will cost to fix. Keep in mind that lenders may not give you a mortgage on a property that needs a lot of work and is not habitable. In a case such as that, you need to obtain a purchase / rehab mortgage which is not always the best route for an inexperienced buyer. Rehab work can often run into significant cost over-runs.

Do other cities have programs similar to yours?
Yes. You can get information on them by calling MHFA at 854-1020 or calling your local city hall.