(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - Prospective homebuyers throughout Alaska with internet access can receive Finally Home! education that promotes understanding of the home purchase process.

Finally Home! is an alternative to HomeChoice™ that was established in 1994 and is a six-hour, in-person class. Both classes are free, offered by Alaska Housing and cover familiar topics such as budgeting, credit, loan types, closing costs, and home maintenance.

Participants who complete HomeChoice™ are asked to provide feedback and often remark, “I wish I would have taken this sooner!” Finally Home! allows buyers to receive education at their convenience, at their own pace, and with the ability to pause and resume later. It is offered in English and Spanish.

“Finally Home! is designed to provide a more convenient learning opportunity for all Alaskans,” said Jan Miyagishima, mortgage director at Alaska Housing. “The flexibility means no more missing family dinners or giving up a Saturday which is when HomeChoice™ is usually offered.”

Nearly 40% of loans in Alaska Housing’s portfolio are first-time buyers. Courses provide tips and insight about homeownership that may be overlooked, especially by first-time buyers such as understanding fees, industry jargon, planning for maintenance and extraordinary expenses, and implementing energy efficiency tools.

Those who complete the course receive a $250 certificate good toward the Alaska Housing mortgage commitment fee. Participants in Finally Home! also receive counseling for the life of their loan that adds some comfort to what may otherwise be a daunting 30-year commitment.

Finally Home! was developed by Idaho Housing and Finance Association but includes Alaska specific content. “We debuted the course in March and it has been well-received. As of November 8, 45 Southeast Alaskans have completed the course," said Miyagishima.

On the Web

Alaskans can access Finally Home!
https://www.finallyhomecourse.com/en/product/alaska/.

Edited By Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
www.ahfc.us

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