Homebuyer Education and Counseling


Our classes and counseling sessions are designed to guide first-time homebuyers from the initial stages of buying a home all the way to managing household finances and maintaining good credit. By doing this we aim to ensure long-term, successful homeowners in our neighborhoods - which makes our neighborhoods stronger!

In-Person Classes
Our classes give you all the information you need to buy your first home with confidence.  In addition to the class, you'll receive a comprehensive reference book, a certificate that all banks recommend (and some require) for first-time mortgage holders, unlimited one-on-one counseling, and a free credit report analysis. Our classes are available to anyone in the city of Buffalo.

Class dates for 2013 are:

January 26, February 23, March 23, April 27, May 18, June 29, July 27, August 24, September 28, October 26, November 16, and December 14.

All classes last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To sign up online, visit our Eventbrite page. To sign up offline, please contact Lauren Jednak or Michele Gil, as course dates are subject to change.

Online Course
We now have online classes available, too! Ask our counselors Lauren and Michele about signing up for the eHome America course in English or Spanish. If you sign up for the class online, please be sure to select West Side Neighborhood Housing Services as your local organization: we are the third organization listed if you select Erie County in the state of New York.

One-on-One Counseling
Depending on your individual needs, you may need individual assistance. Our free counseling services are available to anyone buying a home west of Main Street in the city of Buffalo. You'll receive the free credit report analysis as part of your counseling. Counseling is available in English and Spanish.

Ask a Question

Lauren Jednak
Homeownership Counselor
ljednak@wsnhs.org 
(716) 885-2344 | Fax (716) 885-2346

Michele Gil 
Housing Specialist 
mgil@wsnhs.org
Monday-Thursday, 8:30-4:30: (716) 885-2344 | Fax (716) 885-2346
Friday, 8:30-4:30: (716) 877-3910 | Fax (716) 877-3912

Sign Up
You can sign up by calling Michele or Lauren, or by filling out this form (PDF) and sending it to West Side NHS with your money order.