As part of Money Smart Week, the West Cook Homeownership Center will host the Project: WOW (Women Overcoming the Wealth Gap) Banking & Brunch seminar on SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH, from 9:30 am -12:30 p.m., at 5049 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL.

Sponsored by PNC Bank.
Please RSVP by calling 773-887-5187 or email info@westcookhomeownership.org.
www.westcookhomeownership.org
Back to Events
#moneysmartweek

Join us on Tuesday, April 23 for our FREE Homebuyer Education Orientation at Oak Park Village Hall, on 123 Madison St, Oak Park, IL, from 6-8 p.m.

Obtain information on the following:

• The steps in the home buying process
• Why you should work with a HUD approved agency
• Options for financing
• The real value of your professional partners
• Should you continue to rent or pursue homeownership

You MUST register to attend. Register at: https://www.westcookhomeownership.org/workshop_registration/

www.westcookhomeownership.org

Back to Events.

Learn basic banking, budgeting, debt management, credit building, and credit report management at our FREE Financial Empowerment Workshop. The consequences of a negative credit rating is typically a reduction in the likelihood that a lender will approve an application for credit under favorable terms, if at all. In certain cases, insurance, housing and employment can also be denied based on a negative credit rating. So because of the unwanted effects of having bad credit, it is important to learn proper money management techniques to improve future spending habits. If you need help with your credit, don’t miss out on our Financial Empowerment Workshop on April 27, 2019, from 8:30 am-12:30 pm, at the Malcolm X Learning Center on 4624 W Madison, Chicago. Find out about the resources available to help you manage your credit and qualify for a home loan.

You MUST Register to attend. Register now at:

708-771-5801
https://www.westcookhomeownership.org/rsvp/
info@westcookhomeownership.org

The West Cook Homeownership Center is a program of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.

Join us on May 11th for our FREE Homebuyer Education Workshop at Malcolm X College, on 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

You MUST register to attend. You can register at: https://www.westcookhomeownership.org/workshop_registration/

www.westcookhomeownership.org

Go back to Events

The West Cook Homeownership Center is now holding a Homebuyer Education Workshop in Maywood every 3rd Saturday. Join us on Saturday, May 18th for our FREE workshop at the T.H. Wade Center on 1405 Madison St, in Maywood, IL, from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Learn everything you should know about the home buying process:

• Budgeting and Credit
• Financing Your HOme
• Down Payment Assistance
• Building Your Team
• Working with a HUD approved counseling agency, when, why, and how to obtain a HUD Certificate

Sponsored by Wintrust Mortgage.

To RSVP, call us at 773-887-5187 or email info@westcookhomeownership.org

The West Cook Homeownership Center is a program of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.

Join us on Tuesday, May 26th for our FREE Homebuyer Education Orientation at Oak Park VIllage Hall, on 123 Madison St, Oak Park, IL, from 6-8 pm.

You MUST register to attend. You can register at: https://www.westcookhomeownership.org/workshop_registration/

www.westcookhomeownership.org

Go back to Events

Start making your hard-earned dollars work for you, instead of your landlord. Stop paying rent and get a mortgage. Join us on June 8th for the West Cook Homeownership Center's FREE Homebuyer Education Workshop at Malcolm X College, on 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

If you want to buy a home then the Homebuyer Education Workshop is the class for you! Not just for first-time home buyers.

• Learn the do’s and don’ts of your credit
• How to build your home ownership team
• How to finance your home
• Learn how to access up to $30,000 down payment assistance!

Lunch will be provided.

You MUST register to attend. You can register at: https://www.westcookhomeownership.org/workshop_registration/

Call us at 773-887-5187 for more information, or email info@westcookhomeownership.org

The West Cook Homeownership Center is a program of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.

Get Your Financial Freedom

Join us at the West Cook Homeownership Center's FREE Financial Empowerment Workshop on Saturday, June 22 , at the City Colleges of Chicago, Malcolm X Learning Center, 4624 W. Madison St, Chicago, and learn how to build and maintain your credit.

• Learn how to keep your spending under control
• Learn how to set goals while you build your credit
• Receive a free credit report with free credit counseling
• Join the Home Buyer's Club

Some of the benefits of having a good credit score includes:

• Low Interest Rates on Credit Cards and Loans - The interest rate is one of the costs you pay for borrowing money and, often, the interest rate you get is directly tied to your credit score. If you have a good credit score, you’ll almost always qualify for the best interest rates, and you’ll pay lower finance charges on credit card balances and loans. The less money you pay in interest, the faster you'll pay off the debt and the more money you have for other expenses.
• Better Chance for Credit Card and Loan Approval - Borrowers with a poor credit history typically avoid applying for a new credit card or loan because they've been turned down previously. Having an excellent credit score doesn’t guarantee approval, because lenders still consider other factors like your income and debt. However, a good credit score increases your chances of being approved for new credit. In other words, you can apply for a loan or credit card with confidence.
• More Negotiating Power - A good credit score gives you leverage to negotiate a lower interest rate on a credit card or a new loan. If you need more bargaining power, you can take advantage of other attractive offers that you’ve received from other companies based on your credit score. However, if you have a low credit score, creditors are unlikely to budge on loan terms, and you won't have other credit offers or options.
• Better Car Insurance Rates - Your borrowing capacity is based on your income and your credit score. One of the benefits of having a good credit score is that banks are willing to let you borrow more money because you’ve demonstrated that you pay back on time what you've borrowed. You may still get approved for some loans with a bad credit score, but the amount will be limited.

Every 4th Saturday. Begins promptly, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m

For questions or to RSVP call 773-887-5187, email info@westcookhomeownership.org, or register online by clicking HERE.

The West Cook Homeownership Center is a program of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.

Join us on July 13th for our 2nd Saturday FREE Homebuyer Education Workshop at Malcolm X College, on 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Learn everything you should know about the home buying process:

• Budgeting and Credit
• Financing Your Home
• Down Payment Assistance
• Building Your Team
• Working with a HUD approved counseling agency, when, why, and how to obtain a HUD Certificate

You MUST register to attend. You can register at: https://www.westcookhomeownership.org/workshop_registration/

The West Cook Homeownership Center is a program of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.

Join the West Cook Homeownership Center at our 3rd Saturday FREE Homebuyer Education Workshop, as we share:

• The steps in the home buying process
• Why you should work with a HUD-approved agency
• Options for financing
• The real value of your professional partners
• Should you continue to rent or pursue homeownership

You must RSVP for location.

Free refreshments will be provided.
To RSVP, contact us at (773) 887-5187 or at info@westcookhomeownership.org

The West Cook Homeownership Center is a program of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.

Find out how to build your credit at our FREE Financial Empowerment Workshop on Saturday, July 27th, at the Malcolm X Learning Center on 4624 W. Madison St in Chicago.

• Learn how to keep your spending under control
• Learn how to set goals while you build your credit
• Receive a free credit report with free credit counseling
• Join the Home Buyer’s Club

Some of the benefits of having a good credit score include:

• Low-Interest Rates on Credit Cards and Loans – The interest rate is one of the costs you pay for borrowing money and, often, the interest rate you get is directly tied to your credit score. If you have a good credit score, you’ll almost always qualify for the best interest rates, and you’ll pay lower finance charges on credit card balances and loans. The less money you pay in interest, the faster you’ll pay off the debt and the more money you have for other expenses.
• Better Chance for Credit Card and Loan Approval – Borrowers with a poor credit history typically avoid applying for a new credit card or loan because they’ve been turned down previously. Having an excellent credit score doesn’t guarantee approval, because lenders still consider other factors like your income and debt. However, a good credit score increases your chances of being approved for new credit. In other words, you can apply for a loan or credit card with confidence.
• More Negotiating Power – A good credit score gives you leverage to negotiate a lower interest rate on a credit card or a new loan. If you need more bargaining power, you can take advantage of other attractive offers that you’ve received from other companies based on your credit score. However, if you have a low credit score, creditors are unlikely to budge on loan terms, and you won’t have other credit offers or options.
• Better Car Insurance Rates – Your borrowing capacity is based on your income and your credit score. One of the benefits of having a good credit score is that banks are willing to let you borrow more money because you’ve demonstrated that you pay back on time what you’ve borrowed. You may still get approved for some loans with a bad credit score, but the amount will be limited.

Every 4th Saturday. Begins promptly, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m

For questions or to RSVP call 773-887-5187, email info@westcookhomeownership.org, or register online by clicking HERE.

The West Cook Homeownership Center is a program of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.

Join the West Cook Homeownership Center on August 10th for our 2nd Saturday FREE Homebuyer Education Workshop at Malcolm X College, on 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, from 9:00 a.m. –5:00 p.m. If you want to buy a home then this class is for you! Not just for first time home buyers. At our Free Homebuyer Education Workshop learn the do’s and don’ts of your credit. Learn how to access up to $30,000 down payment assistance!

Earn a pre-purchase Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Certificate issued upon completion of one-on-one counseling. You must enter class by 9:30 a.m. to receive 6 hours credit toward the certificate.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. It's important that you are equipped with the proper tools to help you along your journey.

Learn everything you should know about the home buying process:

• Budgeting and Credit
• Financing Your Home
• Down Payment Assistance
• Building Your Team
• Working with a HUD-approved counseling agency
• When, Why, and How to Obtain a HUD Certificate

You MUST register to attend. You can register at https://www.westcookhomeownership.org/workshop_registration/ You can also register by emailing your name, address with zip code, and phone number to info@westcookhomeownership.org. Call us at 773-887-5187 if you have any questions. Sorry, no childcare is available.

The West Cook Homeownership Center is a program of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.

Learn the home buying process by joining the West Cook Homeownership Center on Tuesday, August 27th for our FREE Homebuyer Education Orientation at Oak Park Village Hall, on 123 Madison St, Oak Park, IL, from 6-8 pm. Join us, as we share:

• The steps in the home buying process
• Why you should work with a HUD-approved agency
• Options for financing
• The real value of your professional partners
• Should you continue to rent or pursue homeownership

Here are some of the benefits of owning your own home:

Homeownership is an investment – Unlike a car and many other purchases that decrease in value, a home is a purchase that appreciates over time. While each local market has its own unique factors, the national median home price goes up each year, even in times of recession. As you pay your mortgage each month, your debt amount goes down, while the value of your home continues to rise. This creates the buying and reinvestment power better known as equity.

Gain equity – When it comes to homeownership, investment and equity are directly related. As you make mortgage payments each month, part of the payment goes toward the interest, while the rest pays down the principal balance. Equity can be better defined as the part of the principal balance you’ve already paid, or the percentage of your home you already own. Paying the principal is like depositing money in the bank because that money becomes available for reinvestment in the home itself or a new home.

Take advantage of tax benefits – The federal government encourages homeownership by offering tax incentives for homeowners. The biggest one is the option to deduct interest from mortgage payments on your income tax return, especially at the start of a mortgage when most of the payment is applied to the interest. Payments on private mortgage insurance (PMI) and certain home-related purchases also qualify for tax benefits.

Register HERE to get started in taking advantage of the benefits of owning your own home. You can also register for our Homebuyer Education Orientation by calling us at 773-887-5187 or email info@westcookhomeownership.org.

The West Cook Homeownership Center is a program of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.

Join us on September 14th for our 2nd Saturday FREE Homebuyer Education Workshop at Malcolm X College, on 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, from 9:00 a.m. –5:00 p.m. If you want to buy a home then this class is for you! Not just for first time home buyers. At our workshop learn the do's and don'ts of your credit. Learn how to access up to $30,000 down payment assistance! Owning a home, with the proper tools in place, is the main way people increase their wealth over time. Other benefits of homeownership include building equity, having more space and being able to do what you want with it, and having something of means to pass on to your family. We provide the tools you need to acquire homeownership at the West Cook Homeownership Center.

Earn a pre-purchase Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Certificate issued upon completion of one-on-one counseling. You must enter class by 9:30 a.m. to receive 6 hours credit toward the certificate. Sorry, no childcare is available.

Learn everything you should know about the home buying process:

• Budgeting and Credit
• Financing Your Home
• Down Payment Assistance
• Building Your Team
• Working with a HUD-approved counseling agency
• When, why, and how to obtain a HUD Certificate

You MUST register to attend our Free Homebuyer Education Workshop. You can register at https://www.westcookhomeownership.org/workshop_registration/ You can also register by emailing your name, address with zip code, and phone number to info@westcookhomeownership.org. Call us at 773-887-5187 if you have any questions.

The West Cook Homeownership Center is a program of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.

Get Your Financial Freedom

Join us at the West Cook Homeownership Center's FREE Financial Empowerment Workshop on Saturday, September 28, at the City Colleges of Chicago, Malcolm X Learning Center, 4624 W. Madison St, Chicago, and learn how to build and maintain your credit.

• Learn how to keep your spending under control
• Learn how to set goals while you build your credit
• Receive a free credit report with free credit counseling
• Join the Home Buyer's Club

Some of the benefits of having a good credit score include:

• Low-Interest Rates on Credit Cards and Loans - The interest rate is one of the costs you pay for borrowing money and, often, the interest rate you get is directly tied to your credit score. If you have a good credit score, you’ll almost always qualify for the best interest rates, and you’ll pay lower finance charges on credit card balances and loans. The less money you pay in interest, the faster you'll pay off the debt and the more money you have for other expenses.
• Better Chance for Credit Card and Loan Approval - Borrowers with a poor credit history typically avoid applying for a new credit card or loan because they've been turned down previously. Having an excellent credit score doesn’t guarantee approval, because lenders still consider other factors like your income and debt. However, a good credit score increases your chances of being approved for new credit. In other words, you can apply for a loan or credit card with confidence.
• More Negotiating Power - A good credit score gives you leverage to negotiate a lower interest rate on a credit card or a new loan. If you need more bargaining power, you can take advantage of other attractive offers that you’ve received from other companies based on your credit score. However, if you have a low credit score, creditors are unlikely to budge on loan terms, and you won't have other credit offers or options.
• Better Car Insurance Rates - Your borrowing capacity is based on your income and your credit score. One of the benefits of having a good credit score is that banks are willing to let you borrow more money because you’ve demonstrated that you pay back on time what you've borrowed. You may still get approved for some loans with a bad credit score, but the amount will be limited.

Every 4th Saturday. Begins promptly, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m

For questions or to RSVP to our FREE Financial Empowerment Workshop call 773-887-5187, email info@westcookhomeownership.org, or register online by clicking HERE.

The West Cook Homeownership Center is a program of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.

Join us on October 12th for our 2nd Saturday FREE Homebuyer Education Workshop at Malcolm X College, on 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, from 9:00 a.m. –5:00 p.m.

Learn everything you should know about the home buying process:

• Budgeting and Credit
• Financing Your Home
• Down Payment Assistance
• Building Your Team
• Working with a HUD-approved counseling agency, when, why, and how to obtain a HUD Certificate

Sponsored by Associated Bank.

You MUST register to attend. You can register at https://www.westcookhomeownership.org/workshop_registration/

The West Cook Homeownership Center is a program of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.

Save the Date!

Join us at our Housing and Financial Services Fair on Saturday, October 19th, from 10-2 p.m. at Michele Clark High School.

Meet with community partners where you can:

• Learn how to open second chance bank accounts
• Find housing help for seniors
• Learn how to improve your credit
• Learn how to purchase, sell, update or keep your home
• Learn about down payment assistance and options for financing
• Learn steps to develop vacant properties
• Learn about opportunities with the census
• Get information about healthcare and open enrollment
• Get info from the City of Chicago, the Treasurer, Cook County, and more!
• Learn about the Austin Quality of Life Plan.

Free refreshments will be served.

For more information on our Housing and Financial Services Fair, please email us at info@westcookhomeownership.org.

The West Cook Homeownership Center is a program of the  Oak Park Regional Housing Center.

Join us on November 9th for our 2nd Saturday FREE Homebuyer Education Workshop at Malcolm X College, on 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, from 9:00 a.m. –5:00 p.m.

Learn everything you should know about the home buying process:

• Budgeting and Credit
• Financing Your Home
• Down Payment Assistance
• Building Your Team
• Working with a HUD-approved counseling agency, when, why, and how to obtain a HUD Certificate

Sponsored by Huntington Bank.

You MUST register to attend. You can register at https://www.westcookhomeownership.org/workshop_registration/

Phone: 708.771.5801

Email: info@westcookhomeownership.org

The West Cook Homeownership Center is a program of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.

Come join the West Cook Homeownership Center at our last 2nd Saturday Free Homebuyer Education Workshop of the year on December 14th at Malcolm X College, on 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, from 9:00 a.m. –5:00 p.m.

Learn everything you should know about the home buying process:

• Budgeting and Credit
• Financing Your Home
• Down Payment Assistance
• Building Your Team
• Working with a HUD-approved counseling agency
• When, why, and how to obtain a HUD Certificate

Sponsored by Wintrust Mortgage, don't miss out on this informative workshop. Hear from our partners in the housing industry on how to obtain a mortgage, downpayment assistance, home insurance, and what to look for in a home inspection. Learn how to obtain a free credit report, and what lenders are looking for on your credit report. Get information on how to avoid predatory lenders. Find agents who are interested in helping you obtain the best deal for your money when purchasing a house. We partner with our preferred lenders and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) to qualify buyers for all of their mortgage products and down payment assistance. Other down payment programs available to our clients include Federal Home Loan Bank and various employer-assisted housing programs. All of this and more you can learn in our FREE HUD-approved homebuyer education workshops.

You MUST register to attend our Homebuyer Education Workshop. You can register at https://www.westcookhomeownership.org/workshop_registration/

The West Cook Homeownership Center is a program of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.