Real estate pros report growing demand for home buyer workshops

The growing complexity of real estate transactions is leading to a rise in the number of real estate pros offering so-called “home buyer workshops” that aim to educate consumers about the process.

Agents told the U.S. News & World Report that they’re seeing increased demand from clients for these workshops, which are consequently becoming more commonplace across the country.

In order to offer such a course, real estate professionals, mortgage lenders and other agencies must gain approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban development

The workshops are designed to educate consumers about some of the most challenging steps in real estate transaction process, including the importance of credit ratings and how to improve them; how to gain pre-approval for a mortgage; a guide to mortgage assistance programs; tips on how to conduct a home search; tips on the negotiation process; and the role of professionals involved in a home sale, including agents, lenders, home inspectors, title representatives and more.

Darlene Bharath, a housing counselor for Belair-Edison Neighborhoods Inc., which is a HUD-approved counseling agency in Baltimore, told U.S. News & World Report that she’s seeing an increasing number of consumers who’re “coming in fresh and brand new and just wanting to understand the whole process.”

The workshops appear to be working too, claims Jessica Diaz, an agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Services in Atlanta, which offers such courses.

“It took the edge off because buying and selling can be scary to do at the same time,” Diaz said.

Diaz also noted some of the benefits the workshop provides, saying that a number of people decided to list their home with her after attending one of her workshops.