Evaluating an Outcomes‐based Standardized Homeownership Education Program

Abstract

A statewide education program provided prospective homebuyers with information to support long‐term preservation of affordable homeownership. Between 2012 and 2015, a sample of 1,561 Michigan residents completed pre‐ and post program evaluation surveys. The surveys measured 12 outcomes of the homeownership education program. Change scores were calculated for participants, and paired t‐tests were used to compare pre‐ and postsurvey means for each of the 12 outcome measures. The results of both change scores and t‐tests showed that homeownership education increased the participants’ knowledge of financial requirements for buying a home and practices to prevent predatory lending and foreclosure. The financial practices in which the largest percentage of participants reported an intention to change were as follows: tracking spending, creating a budget, calculating a reasonable housing payment, identifying patterns to adjust, and developing a plan to change financial habits.