Keys to Homeownership: Learn How to Buy a House

Buying a home can feel hard, but it doesn’t have to be! Join local real estate agent Kurtis Decker with eXp Realty and special guests to learn how the process works. Each class will cover a different step, from getting a loan to closing day. Ask questions, meet local experts, and feel ready to buy your first (or next) home.

Session 1 (February 12): Get Financially Ready to Buy or Sell with Confidence

• What’s Covered: Explore financing, FHA, USDA, or conventional loans and down payments with guest lender Shay Moore from 217 Mortgage and Shaughnessy and Michelle Rice with Preferred Rate. Master pre-approval and buyer financing options. We will also discuss grant options for first time home buyers, as well as down payment assistance plans.
• Guests: Shay Moore with 217 Mortgage and Shaughnessy and Michelle Rice with Preferred Rate sharing their loan expertise
• Practical Takeaways: Feel confident getting pre-approved, choosing the best loan, and understanding your financial goals will set you up for home buying or selling success.

Session 2 (February 26): Ace Your Home Inspection Contingencies with Ease

• What’s Covered: Understand inspection contingencies in the Residential Sales Contract. We will meet the team from Pristine Home Inspections; John Cheney and Mark Adair and learn how inspections play into negotiating the price before closing and meet with Michael Kizior with Achosa Home Warranty, Dave Parson’s from Parson’s electric and Theo Tabatt from Tabatt Construction
• Guests: Mark Adair & John Cheney home inspectors, Michael Kizior, home warranty, Dave Parson, electrician, and Theo Tabatt with Tabatt Construction
• Practical Takeaways: Negotiate repairs with ease, meet contingency deadlines and ensure loan-compliant homes. Explore the differences and similarities between homeowners insurance and a home warranty and what an electrician looks for on inspections.

Session 3 (March 12): Financial Readiness – Are You Ready to Buy a Home?

• What’s Covered: Explore financial readiness with guest lender Jim McMurry from First Federal Saving Bank of Champaign-Urbana and Jenna Leman with BluPrint Home Loans. Both of them will share how to know if you are financially ready to get pre-approved. We will also discuss programs for first-time homebuyers that First Federal offers and specific programs that BluPrint Home Loans offers to their clients.
• Guests: Jim McMurray and Jenna Leman sharing loan expertise
• Practical Takeaways: Feel confident getting pre-approved, choosing the best loan, and understanding your financial goals will set you up for home buying or selling success.

Session 4 (March 26): Confidently Close & Sign Contracts with Assurance

• What’s Covered: Learn how to finalize offer details in the Residential Sales Contract, Wiring Fraud Advisory, and title details with guests Hannah Shepard and Dawn Reynolds from Allied Capital Title, as well as real estate attorney, Kevin Luebchow with Kevin Luebchow Law.
• Guests: Hannah and Dawn, Allied Capital Title and Kevin Luebchow, attorney
• Practical Takeaways: Close with confidence, protect your funds, and navigate final steps smoothly and sign contracts with assurance, disclose issues correctly, and ask your attorney smart questions.

Adults. Register (recommended) for each session individually by clicking on the date above.