APPLY FOR HOUSING
First-Time Homebuyer Workshops
Thank you for your interest in our First-Time Homebuyer Workshop! This workshop is provided free of charge by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Cumberland County (CCHRA), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). Our mission is to expand homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate- income residents throughout Cumberland County by providing homebuyer education and housing counseling services.
CCHRA’s First-Time Homebuyer workshop is a total of 7 hours in length, and is typically held in two sessions (3.5 hours each.) Please see below for our workshop schedule and location.
In order to receive a certificate of completion, you must attend both workshop sessions within the same month. Your certificate can be used to satisfy homebuyer education requirements for many loans and down payment / closing cost assistance programs, such as CCHRA’s own assistance program.
Questions? Please see our FAQ below.
This workshop covers topics such as:
Navigating the home buying process
Shopping for a home
Mortgage loan options
Creating a home buying budget
Understanding credit and credit reports
Working with lenders & realtors
Home inspections & appraisals
The closing process
Home maintenance & insurance
Available grants and assistance programs
Avoiding foreclosure and predatory lending practices
Fair Housing and understanding your rights
Our current schedule for 2025 is as follows:
All workshops will be held in-person at Cumberland Connection, 219 N Pitt Street, Carlisle, PA, 17013. Please check back for additional sessions and virtual options, coming soon. Registration for all workshops is required.
September 16th and 18th from 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
October 21st and 23rd from 5:30 PM–9:00 PM
November 18th and 20th from 5:30 PM–9:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this workshop about?
Our First-Time Homebuyer Workshop helps you understand every step of buying a home—even if you think homeownership might be out of reach right now. We’ll walk through budgeting, credit, loan options, working with realtors, home inspections, closing costs, and how to protect your home after you buy it.
Who should attend?
Anyone thinking about buying their first home! This includes renters, those returning to homeownership after many years, and people who want to be better prepared financially and practically for the process. Whether you’re ready to buy now or just exploring the idea, this workshop will help you make informed decisions.
Do I need to be ready to buy a home right away?
No. Whether you’re planning to buy in 3 months or 3 years, the workshop will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare.
Can I still buy a home if I don’t have a lot saved up?
Yes! Many programs offer down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible buyers. In this workshop, we’ll review resources like PHFA loans, and local grants that are designed to support low-to-moderate income households.
Will I learn how to improve my credit or finances?
Yes. We’ll talk about how credit affects your ability to buy a home and give you tips on how to improve your credit score. We also offer free one-on-one credit and budgeting counseling if you’d like personalized support.
Is the workshop required to qualify for homebuyer assistance programs?
Yes, many down payment and closing cost assistance programs—such as those offered through HUD, PHFA, or local housing authorities—require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education workshop.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who complete the full workshop will receive a certificate that may be used for mortgage programs that require homebuyer education.
How long is my certificate valid for?
In general, your certificate of completion is valid for a year from the date of issue. Some lenders or down payment closing cost assistance programs may have different timeframes or additional stipulations regarding homebuyers education requirements.
Are workshops held in-person or virtually?
Currently, we are offering in-person, evening classes at least once a month, starting in July, 2025. These sessions will be held at Cumberland Connection, 219 N Pitt Street, Carlisle, PA, 17013. It is our hope to include virtual options in the future, as well as in-person sessions at various locations throughout Cumberland County. Please check back for future dates/locations.
Is there a cost to attend?
No. This workshop is offered free of cost.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes! Partners, spouses, or co-buyers are encouraged to attend. Everyone who wants a certificate must register and complete the full workshop.
Will I be pressured to buy a home or work with specific lenders/realtors?
No. The workshop is educational only. We do not promote specific lenders, agents, or inspectors, and participation does not obligate you to buy a home or work with a specific real-estate professional. We invite local lenders, realtors, and inspectors to share information with attendees about their role in the homebuying process, their professional insights, and to provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions regarding the homebuying process.
How do I register?
You can register online. If you need help filling out the application, please call our office at (717) 249-0789 and ask to speak with the Housing Counselor.
What if I need more personalized time with the housing counselor to review my readiness and ask specific questions regarding my situation?
One-on-one counseling sessions will be available shortly. Everyone who attends our workshop will be eligible to schedule time with our housing counselor to discuss their own financial circumstances and readiness. Counseling sessions will also be available for those who have not yet attended the workshop, or have chosen to take it elsewhere. Please check back soon for additional details.