In recognition of National Homeownership Month, Housing Consultants Group (HCG) was proud to participate in the City of Greensboro Employee Wellness Fair, where we connected directly with community members and future homeowners.
As part of the event, attendees were invited to share their wisdom by responding to a powerful question on butcher paper:
“What is the one thing you wish you knew about the homebuying process or homeownership that you can share with first-time buyers?”
The response was inspiring. Participants filled the space with colorful handwritten notes, thoughtful reflections, and practical advice drawn from real-life experiences. The activity sparked meaningful conversations and demonstrated just how valuable peer-to-peer insight can be in the homeownership journey.
📊 What We Heard: Top Advice from Respondents
After reviewing the responses, several key themes rose to the top:
- Start Early—Preparation Matters
Many participants emphasized the importance of beginning the homebuying process well in advance—ideally two years ahead of purchase. Early preparation allows time to:
- Improve credit
- Build savings
- Reduce debt
- Understand financing options
👉 The message was clear: the earlier you start, the more confident and prepared you will be.
- Build the Right Team
Respondents strongly encouraged working with qualified, reputable professionals, including:
- Realtors
- Lenders
- Home Inspectors
Having the right team can help buyers avoid costly mistakes and better navigate the complexities of the process.
- Focus on Needs Over Wants
A consistent piece of advice was to
“Purchase a home that meets your needs, not just your wants.”
This insight highlights the importance of long-term sustainability and affordability versus short-term excitement.
💡 Additional Wisdom Shared by the Community
Beyond the top themes, participants also offered practical tips that every homeowner should keep in mind:
- Research home warranty options to protect against unexpected repair costs
- Create a dedicated savings fund for home and appliance repairs—separate from emergency savings
- Stay proactive with maintenance (inside and outside the home) to prevent expensive future replacements
- Plan ahead for ongoing costs, including taxes, insurance, and upkeep
These contributions reflect real-life lessons that can help future homeowners avoid surprises and build long-term stability.
🏠 Continuing the Journey: HCG Post-Purchase Education
At HCG, we believe homeownership doesn’t end at closing—it’s just the beginning. That’s why we offer a Post-Purchase Workshop designed to support homeowners well beyond move-in day.
This training covers:
- Home maintenance best practices
- Financial management and record keeping
- Protecting your investment
- Building connections through community engagement
✅ Now Available Online!
Our post-purchase course is accessible 24/7, making it easy for homeowners—both inside and outside Guilford County—to participate at their convenience. Ask us how to register!
💲 Offered at little to no cost, this is an excellent resource for both new and seasoned homeowners.
📣 Get Involved
Interested in strengthening your homeownership knowledge or preparing for what’s next?
📧 Contact us today:
info@housingconsultantsgroup.org
We are excited to soft launch our online Post-Purchase course and encourage early enrollment—now is the perfect time to take advantage of this valuable resource.
💬 Final Thought
The voices of the Greensboro community remind us that homeownership is not just a milestone—it is a journey that benefits from preparation, trusted guidance, and continued learning.
We thank everyone who contributed their advice and helped make this Homeownership Month meaningful and impactful.
Here’s to building stronger, more informed homeowners—together.
[Content submitted by Tamika Bowers, Community Impact Director. For questions, please email her using the contact form available at https://www.housingconsultantsgroup.org]
