If you've always dreamed of owning your own home, get the tools you need to make that dream can become reality. If you can afford rent, you can afford a home mortgage. Believe it or not, mortgage payments are typically cheaper than the average rent! Go from renting to owning your own property, by attending free homebuying education classes.

The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury(CPPJ) and Project Build a Future, released the schedule for the 2022 Homebuyers Education Classes. The classes are free regardless of income and the first one begins February 7. All classes will be hosted at the Allen P. August Multipurpose Annex, 2000 Moeling St. in Lake Charles. Below is a look at the 2022 class schedule and times:

Monday, Feb. 7: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
Tuesday, Feb. 8: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
Saturday, April 9: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., hosted by Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
Monday, June 20: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
Tuesday, June 21: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
Saturday, Aug. 20: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., hosted by Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
Monday, Oct. 10: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
Tuesday, Oct. 11: 5-9 p.m., hosted by Project Build a Future
Saturday, Nov. 19: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., hosted by Calcasieu Parish Police Jury

Participants have the choice of taking two, four-hour classes back-to-back or attending one, eight-hour session. The HUD-Approve classes teach all the fundamentals of homeownership including the roles of realtors, mortgage originators, mortgage underwriters and attorneys, mortgage underwriting criteria, financial management and budgeting needs, the pros and cons of purchasing a home, and mortgage-related terminology.

It is important to note that the Police Jury does not give out grants or down payment assistance. However, many programs or financial lenders that do will require you to take a HUD-approved housing counseling class. Upon successfully completing the required classes all participants will receive a certificate.  Submit a class application from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, HERE, or call (337) 721-4030. Applicants will be notified via email of acceptance.

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