GET READY TO BUY
You can buy a home. We’ll guide you step by step.
Register for ClassSee Class Schedule

Get Ready to Buy

You can buy a home. We’ll guide you step by step.

Register for Class
See Class Schedule

HOW IT WORKS

Buying a home can feel overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be. Here’s what happens next... and how we support you at each step.

Register for class

Our Homebuyer Education class gives you a clear roadmap for the entire process. You’ll learn how mortgages work, how much home you can afford, what to expect during closing, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Classes are HUD-approved and meet the requirements for many down payment assistance programs.

Register for Class

Complete Homebuyer Education

Classes are held monthly. In English: 2 weekday evenings | Español: un sabado

See Class Schedule

1-on-1 Counseling

After completing the class, you’ll meet individually with one of our HUD-certified Counselors. Together, you’ll review your credit, budget, and financial goals.

We’ll help you determine what you can realistically afford and create a plan to strengthen your buying position if needed. We’ll guide you through improving credit (if needed), building savings, understanding lender requirements, and preparing documentation.

When you’re ready, we can connect you with trusted local lenders.

Welcome Home!

With a clear budget and pre-approval in hand, you’ll begin shopping for a home that fits your needs.

We remain available throughout the process to answer questions and ensure you feel confident every step of the way.

Once you've unlocked the door to your new home, we'll be here for post-purchase counseling.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

NeighborWorks Green Bay helped me gain the confidence I needed to start the homebuying process. I found the process overwhelming, and they helped break it down into an easy to understand process. I felt so supported by this organization and am grateful for the work they do! I made some great connections and love my new home!

Katelyn W.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General Information

Do you pull my credit?

  • We do have the capability to pull clients’ credit reports through our partner Credco. These are soft pulls and do not affect credit scores. We obtain authorization prior to pulling these so clients can opt out.

Will a previous bankruptcy affect my ability to get a mortgage?

  • It is a possibility. Always check with your lender regarding mortgage loan qualifications.

I am buying outside of Brown County; can I still go through the program?

  • Yes, many lenders outside of Brown County accept our homebuyer education class, as well as the online eHome version. Some down payment and closing cost programs are restricted to various areas, but there are statewide programs as well. Consult with your lender for more specific recommendations.

Does NeighborWorks Green Bay provide money to help me pay my mortgage?

  • No, currently we do not provide monetary assistance, but we can provide counseling for foreclosure prevention.

Homebuyer Education

Should I take the homebuyer education class before or after talking to a lender?

  • The earlier the better! The class covers all stages of the home buying process, from selecting the right real estate professional, to what to look for in a home, to what to expect at closing. You’re guaranteed to learn something from the class, but the earlier you take it the more help it will provide!

I am not planning on buying for a while, can I still take class now?

  • The homebuyer education class certificate is valid for 2 years after completion. Be aware that your lender may have a different time frame.

I completed class and need my education certificate; how do I get it?

  • A certificate will be available after completion of homebuyer education class and a counseling appointment. We do not give certificates directly to clients and instead send them to your lender.

How do I sign up for class?

Counseling

What income documents are required?

  • We collect paystubs, W2s, Federal tax returns, government award letters, and profit and loss statements for self-employed individuals. You will receive a list from your housing counselor.

Do I always need to complete counseling?

  • At NeighborWorks Green Bay our homebuyer education class is coupled with our counseling appointments. All need to be completed for certificates to be sent to a client’s lender.

I’ve completed my education through a different service, can I come to you for counseling?

  • We require education to be completed through us at NeighborWorks Green Bay, so we do not accept a homebuyer education class performed through a different agency.

How long does the entire process take?

  • We ask for 30 days to complete homebuyer education and counseling. We highly advise clients to complete this program prior to receiving an accepted offer to purchase.

I completed counseling months ago but am not receiving any funds from you, do I still need to let my counselor know if I have an accepted offer on a home?

  • Yes! We need to collect some final details from you to close out your file. Please contact your housing counselor for more information.

 

Purchase Assistance Programs

Do you have funds available?

  • Some of our programs run out of funds more quickly than others. Before putting an offer down contact your housing counselor to confirm that there are funds available for you.

I heard that you have grants, I’m a first-time home buyer, how much money can I get?

  • Most down payment and closing cost assistance programs are loans. There are some that are forgiven after a certain amount of time, but most are required to be paid back. The qualifications differ for each program. We will discuss your specific eligibility at your counseling appointment.

Do I still need to provide income documentation if I am not receiving down payment and closing cost assistance from NeighborWorks Green Bay?

  • Income documentation is used during the counseling appointment to create a more accurate budget so even if you do not receive funds from us, we do require it.

Do I have to pay back the assistance I receive from NeighborWorks Green Bay?

  • Most of the down payment and closing cost assistance provided by NeighborWorks Green Bay is a loan in the form of a secondary mortgage, which does require repayment upon certain conditions.

Does my eligibility for down payment and closing cost assistance also mean I am eligible for a primary mortgage with my bank?

  • NeighborWorks Green Bay does not pre-qualify anyone for a primary mortgage. Always check with your lender regarding mortgage loan qualifications.

Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to complete your program?

  • No!

 

WE CAN HELP YOU GET STARTED.

Reach out to us here for any other questions about our homeownership center services.

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