Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana – Calcasieu Parish’s Housing Counseling Agency, in partnership with Project Build a Future, has announced the schedule for its free Homebuyer Education Classes for 2025. These classes, designed to guide individuals through the complexities of purchasing a home, will be held at the Allen P. August Multipurpose Annex located at 2000 Moeling St. in Lake Charles.
Participants have the option to attend either two four-hour sessions back-to-back or a single eight-hour class. The first class is set to begin on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The complete schedule includes sessions on April 28, April 29, June 23, June 24, August 16, October 13, October 14, and November 8, with a mix of evening and weekend classes available.
The curriculum for the Homebuyer Education Classes covers essential topics such as the advantages and disadvantages of homeownership, the role of real estate agents, and an in-depth understanding of mortgages. This includes mortgage terminology, the functions of mortgage originators and underwriters, and the criteria for mortgage approval. Participants will also learn about financial management, budgeting, down payments, closing costs, insurance, and how to apply for grants.
These classes are open to anyone interested in buying a home, those currently in the home-buying process, and even existing homeowners looking to enhance their knowledge. Notably, the term “first-time homebuyer” is defined as anyone who has not owned a home in the past three years, regardless of previous ownership.
“Education is the key to investing in yourself, your family, and your community—it pays the best interest,” stated Maxcine Fontenot from Housing Counseling. “Homebuyer education classes provide participants with the opportunity to develop the skills needed to reach financial goals, increase savings, and secure the financial stability necessary for homeownership.”
Classes are free for all participants, regardless of income level. Interested individuals can register online at calcasieu.gov/housingcounseling. Additionally, applications are available at the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury’s Human Services Department office, located at 2001 Moeling St., Lake Charles, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
Dates and Times for Calcasieu Parish Free Homebuyer Education Classes in 2025
- Saturday, Feb. 22: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., hosted by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
- Monday, April 28: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
- Tuesday, April 29: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
- Monday, June 23: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
- Tuesday, June 24: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
- Saturday, Aug. 16: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., hosted by Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
- Monday, Oct. 13: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
- Tuesday, Oct. 14: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
- Saturday, Nov. 8: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., hosted by Calcasieu Parish Police Jury.
Upon successful completion of the classes, participants will receive a certificate as recognition of their achievement. For further information, individuals can contact the Calcasieu Parish Housing Counseling Agency at 337-721-4030, ext. 5152, or via email at [email protected].