more... > Charting Your Course to Home Ownership > Homebuyer Education Graduates Achieve Their Dream View the story of one couple's path to achieving their "American Dream" of owning a home. Graduates of the "Charting Your Course to Homeownership" homebuyer education program relate their successful journey. Homebuyer Education Program Graduate Succeeds View the inspiring story of one family's journey from losing their home in Hurricane Rita to becoming the proud owners of a home of their own after completing the "Charting Your Course to Homeownership" homebuyer education program. Navigating Your Way to A New Home - Unit 1 [Image: Unit 1 image] Unit 1 - Complete unit materials cover: renting versus owning, housing priorities, how to evaluate homes and house plans, how to determine housing price limits, how to choose your home-buying professional team, shopping resources, how to negotiate purchase price of home, your housing rights and what needs inspecting prior to purchasing a home. Staying on Course with Financial Management [Image: Unit 2] Complete Unit 2 materials cover: Organizing your family finances by setting goals, developing a cash flow worksheet and net worth statement, developing a budget and managing your credit. In addition, find helpful tips on homeowner tax planning, stretching your dollars and saving and preventing identiy theft.  more articles... Sailing Through the Mortgage Process [Image: Unit 3] Unit 3: Understand mortgage terms and loan programs, know the questions to ask before choosing a mortgage and how to shop wisely for one. Be prepared when applying for a mortgage loan and know what will be needed at closing. Also learn how to avoid subprime loans. Keeping a Safe Harbor: Maintaining & Protecting Your Home [Image: Unit 4] Unit 4. After the home purchase learn to maintain its value, properly secure and insure your home investment, avoid home repair rip-offs and prevent foreclosure. In addition, learn the life expectancy of your home appliances and home sytems and how to improve the health of your home. Housing Terms and Web sites [Image: Housing terms and Web sites] Terms Home Buyers and Home Owners Need to Know and useful housing related Web sites.