Housing Opportunity Certification (HOC)
February 21, 2019
9:00 am - 4:15 pm
6 clock hours - Four 1.5 hour CE classes, category (F). Must attend all four classes to receive certification. Lunch will be provided.

Cost: FREE for SMAR Members, $25 non-members; additional $5 for same-day registrations

Location: REALTOR Center, 8440 Old Leonardtown Rd, Hughesville
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ARE YOU HOC?
Increasingly, housing costs in many areas exceed the financial reach of many low-to-moderate wage earners, such as service sector employees, entry level staff and health personnel, as well as teachers, police, and firefighters. Also, as many REALTORS® and lenders know, minorities and new immigrants often fall victim to discrimination and predatory lending practices. There are financial programs and tools that can help address the problem of affordability and you can learn about them. Develop your knowledge and expertise to serve this important and growing market by taking the steps to become HOC. Housing Opportunity Certified REALTORS® are specially trained to receive customer inquiries on workforce and affordable housing finance programs for selected jurisdictions. Click here for more information on the HOC Certification.  

Course Topics

1. FEDERAL PROGRAMS AND NATIONAL INITIATIVES (Course #511-2611, Category F Professional Enhancement, 1.5 hours), includes information on programs and new regulations for HUD/FHA/VA/USDA, as well as national private sector/guaranty programs. 
2. STATE AND LOCAL PROGRAMS (Course #512-2611, Category F Professional Enhancement, 1.5 hours), provides fundamentals about state and local programs available for low/no down payment, closing cost grants, extended term mortgages, as well as other tax credits, plus government resources for homeownership education and counseling. Course includes overview of Maryland REALTORS® consumer website www.maryland homeownership.com.
3. MARYLAND MORTGAGE PROGRAM & MARYLAND HOMECREDIT PROGRAM (Course #513-2611, Category F Professional Enhancement, 1.5 hours) a comprehensive discussion of the various DHCD mortgage products and programs including qualifications, income guidelines, and special incentive areas. Taught by DHCD staff.
4. UNDERSTANDING CREDIT (Course#514-2611, Category F Professional Enhancement, 1.5 hours) This class helps real estate licensees understand th basics of credit reports and scoring to assist consumers in becoming financially prepared for homeownership.  Taught by DHCD staff.

Refund/Student Cancellation Policy - Updated 2/18/2016

• If you have registered for a class and are unable to attend, send a written request via email at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the start of class to be eligible for a refund less a $5 cancellation fee per class. To use refunds paid towards a future class, registration must occur at the time of class cancellation.   Refunds will be issued in the same form of payment that was made. Please allow two weeks for processing.
• If you fail to provide SMAR Education with less than a twenty-four 24-hour notice or fail to attend, you will be liable for the entire course fee.
• Students will be given a 48-hour notice via email if a class will be cancelled due to low registration. If a class has been cancelled and you are unable to attend the new rescheduled class date, you are eligible for a full refund.