HomeOwner University (HOU)
We want you to enjoy living IN your home and not FOR your home.
HomeOwner University (HOU) offers a wide array of classes to help homeowners achieve financial and housing stability to be a happy homeowner. CHT staff and local area experts instruct classes on topics such as managing finances, building equity, home maintenance and protecting your asset (the home). This weeklong event will offer 8 classes specifically geared for homeowners, attend 1 or attend them all.
This spring classes will be offered Monday April 1st (no foolin’) through Saturday April 6th . There will be classes offered in person in Burlington or virtually via Zoom. Participants pay a modest fee and can select their preferred classes.
The cost is $40 total for two people.
SCHEDULE
> Paying for Home Repairs and Improvements (Virtual)
MONDAY, APRIL 1, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Instructor: Abigail Youngless, CHT
Proper maintenance and home improvements can make your home more comfortable, save you money and add to the value of the home. In this virtual class you will learn about savings strategies and special programs that could help pay for essential repairs, weatherization and efficiency upgrades. We will also discuss other saving plans and financing options such as a home equity line of credit or second mortgage to help with cosmetic repairs and other improvements.
• How to create a financial plan for home maintenance / improvements
• Special Programs that can help pay for essential repairs
• Discuss and define other financing options
> Home Maintenance: Basic Tool Use (In Person, Burlington)
TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Instructor: Brian Hsiang, ReSource
Every home needs the proper tools to take care repairs and home maintenance. This hands-on, in person will be an instructive introduction to what should be in your home tool box. We will cover basic tool use and identification including hand tools such as pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, caulk gun and power tools such as skill saw, drill, & impact driver. Our expert presenter will be available for questions and discussion to help you take the best care of your home.
> Protecting Your Property and Possessions: Why You Need a Will or Trust (Virtual)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Instructor: Brian Stark, Stark Law
While you may not think of your home and possessions as an estate — they are. This virtual class is geared for regular, everyday Vermonters who have possessions and/or property. In this class we will examine reasons for having a will and what happens if you don’t. This class will help you understand the steps to setting up a legal will and how you could use a trust to help ensure your wishes are met as well as saving family or friends money, time and paperwork. We’ll cover:
• What is estate planning and why do I need a plan?
• Steps, tips and techniques to writing a will
• How and why would I use a trust
> Home Maintenance: Basic Repairs (In Person, Burlington)
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Instructor: Brian Hsiang ReSource
Owning a home is an investment and a way to build wealth but only if the home is in good condition. This hands-on in person class is an introduction to many basic repairs that can help you keep your home in tiptop condition. Our expert presenter will cover drywall, plumbing (toilets and sinks) and electrical (light fixtures, thermostats). You will leave this class with practical skills and experience to help you tackle projects in your home.
> Healthy Homes (Virtual)
FRIDAY, APRIL 5, Noon – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Joanne Boettger, CHT
We should all be able to have complete confidence that our homes are healthy and safe. Yet health hazards exist and can cause harm. This class is intended to help you assess your home for potential health hazards and how to make corrections. We will review 7 principles for healthy homes:
• Keep it Dry
• Keep it Clean
• Keep it Safe
• Keep it Well-Ventilated
• Keep it Pest-Free
• Keep it Contaminant-free
• Keep it Maintained
> Refinancing Your Home (In Person, Burlington)
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 9:00 – 10:15 am
Instructor: Kelly DeForge, Union Bank
Most homeowners look into the option to refinance their home mortgage at some point in their ownership. This class is intended to explain the process of refinancing including terms, conditions, and costs.
> Maximizing Your Equity When Selling Your Home (In Person, Burlington)
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 10:30 – 11:45 am
Instructor: Julie Lamoureaux, Coldwell Banker
A common reason that people buy a home is to build equity. This class will discuss the most effective ways to build equity while you own your home. We will also help you identify key points to consider when deciding to sell your home. There are a number of small steps that you can take that make the world of difference in attracting the buyers you want. Our expert presenter will share her experience and expertise to help you learn how to best market your home to maximize your equity.
> Landscaping and Gardening (In Person, Burlington)
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, Noon – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Barbara Geries, CHT
Spring is just around the corner and it’s a great time to GARDEN! A little time and effort now will help your lawn and garden really pop this summer. We will cover principles of garden design, vegetable and flower gardening and some money saving strategies. We will offer plenty of ideas to help you create an amazing outdoor living space.