Framework Expands Access to Homeownership Education with Better Housing Coalition

Expanding Access to Homeownership Education in Richmond MSA

Homeownership should be within reach for everyone who wishes to pursue it. That’s why Framework Homeownership is proud to partner with Better Housing Coalition (BHC), the largest nonprofit community development corporation in the Richmond, Virginia area. Together—with support from the WORTH (Wealth Opportunities Realized Through Homeownership) program, led by LISC and funded by Wells Fargo—we are helping more families prepare for successful homeownership and long-term stability. BHC creates high-quality homes for residents of modest means and empowers them with programs and tools to help them reach their fullest potential at all stages of life.

How the WORTH Initiative is Closing the Homeownership Gap

Richmond is home to more than 25,000 mortgage-ready households of color, yet too many still face systemic barriers to buying a home and building wealth. The WORTH Initiative aims to change that by helping 5,000 new households become ready for homeownership by December 2026.

As a WORTH partner, BHC launched the Homebuyer’s Club, a series of free educational sessions for eligible individuals in the Richmond MSA. The program centers for individuals and families who have earned up to 150% of the Annual Median Income, who historically have lacked access to homeownership resources. Through a mix of in-person and virtual workshops, the Homebuyer’s Club equips residents with financial knowledge, homebuying preparation, and ongoing support.

Bring High-Quality, Flexible Homeownership Education Online with Framework

Through this partnership, BHC is expanding access to homeownership education with the integration of Framework, an online homeownership education platform, ensuring that learners who cannot attend in-person sessions still receive high-quality, always-there support.

Framework takes the guesswork out of homeownership by delivering trusted courses, downloadable resources, and tools, that help families make smart financial decisions, build equity and protect their home investment for the long-term.

Framework Homebuyer Education

A seven-course, self-paced online learning path covering budgeting, credit building, mortgage shopping, and more. Upon completion, BHC members will earn a widely accepted certificate recognized by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and many state and local first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance programs. The cost of the course (typically $75, covering both a borrower and co-borrower) will be available at no cost to members.

Expanded Language Offering

All content is available in both English and Spanish. Spanish courses are trans-adapted, not simply translated, ensuring an authentic learning experience. Audio narration is available in both languages, supporting learners with different needs. After using the audio feature, one learner shared, “I liked the audio feature. I’m dyslexic and having the information read to me was extremely helpful”.

BHC Equips First-Time Homebuyers for Long-term Success

Many first-time homebuyers struggle in their first year of homeownership. To keep families supported after they purchase, BHC is providing three Framework post-purchase courses for Homebuyer’s Club members:

• Framework Home Maintenance 101
• Framework Manage Your Mortgage Like a Pro
• Framework Home Energy Basics

Members also receive ongoing access to Framework’s homeowner tools, including:

• Downloadable maintenance checklists and inspection guides
• HomeServices, a marketplace with offers and discounts for Framework learners
• Keep Up, Framework’s monthly homeowner newsletter
• A growing library of courses to help families maintain and protect their home investment

The impact of increased access to quality education and ongoing support is clear. In 2024, Framework learners experienced a foreclosure rate of just 0.012%, compared to the national average of 2.66%

Tools from Framework to Strengthen BHC’s Impact

Framework gives partners like BHC the reporting dashboards and progress-tracking tools they need to stay connected with learners and quickly identify where additional support is needed. With real-time insight into member progress and outcomes, BHC can continue to tailor its coaching, measure program impact, and better understand the challenges homeowners face. These tools will help BHC advance its goal of supporting hundreds of new homeowners by the end of 2026.