Framework Homeownership has partnered with Brick by Brick Training & Development (“B3”), a nonprofit corporation, to expand access to Framework® Homebuyer Education, an online course available on Framework, the premier homeownership education platform. This new initiative offers B3 renters a flexible, self-paced course designed to help them successfully take steps toward buying a home.
About Brick by Brick Training and Development
B3 is a nonprofit organization that owns and manages hundreds of single-family rental homes across the Twin Cities in Minnesota. B3 recently purchased a portfolio of 345 single-family affordable homes with the mission to provide stability and continuity for current residents and affordable homeownership opportunities for homebuyers. Many of these renters have lived in their homes for over a decade, building deep roots in their communities.
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“The course is financially helpful — it covers fixing and building credit, as well as easy ways to start saving.”
— Homebuyer
Through this partnership, B3 renters will gain access to essential education and resources that empower them to successfully navigate the homebuying process.
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“Our goal is to provide stable housing and good quality homes that lead to multi-generational wealth-building,” explained Scott Fergus, CEO of B3. “Community reinvestment efforts, like the fixups these rental and sale properties will receive, have long-lasting, block-by-block benefits. We break down barriers and build wealth that only homeownership can provide.”
Why Framework Is Committed to Supporting Renters
62% of homebuyers who completed the course wish they had taken Framework Homebuyer Education when they were just thinking about buying a home. While there’s no shortage of information online, many homebuyers don’t know what questions to ask, and important details can get missed. Framework Homebuyer Education brings everything together in one place, offering a comprehensive overview of what every homebuyer should know to prepare and navigate the process with confidence.
At the core of sustainable homeownership is ensuring homebuyers have access to the essential knowledge that they need to make smart, confident financial decisions.
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“The Framework Homebuyer Education course is really, really critical because people need to know what they’re getting into” said Eric Gentry, Portfolio Asset Manager at B3 “Out of our 200 tenants, 50 have already expressed interest in moving forward with the course.”
How B3 Supports Renters with the Framework Homeownership Platform
B3 will cover the cost of Framework Homebuyer Education for interested renters. Renters will be invited to create an account on the Framework platform, unlocking access to Framework’s comprehensive online homebuyer education course, interactive tools, and downloadable resources. The course covers the following topics:
- How much house can you afford
- Ways to fix and improve credit
- Tips to budget and manage debt
- Strategies to make the most of a home inspection
- How to get a good mortgage interest rate
- Steps to prepare for the closing process
“The course is financially helpful — it covers fixing and building credit, as well as easy ways to start saving.” — Homebuyer
By partnering with Framework, B3 can better support tenants in preparing for homeownership and making informed choices about their future
“We have gotten feedback from many of those who have taken our Homebuyer Education course that they wish they had taken it earlier when they were just thinking about buying a home,” said Elise Magnole, Senior Associate of Business Development and Partnerships. “We look to align with more partners who are looking to empower homebuyers earlier on in the process.”
As renters make the transition from renting to buying to owning, they’ll have lifetime access to the platform where they can:
- Shop and save on moving services
- Stay informed about trends, home maintenance tips and tricks, and more from Keep Up, a free newsletter from Framework
- Continue learning with homeownership courses like Home Maintenance 101, Home Energy Basics, and Manage Your Mortgage like a Pro
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“We know getting the course into the hands of homebuyers earlier means homebuyers can prepare and make more financially sound decisions. We’re thrilled to partner with B3 to bring this essential knowledge to renters just as they’re thinking about homeownership so they can do so successfully.”
–Omar Esposito
Framework Homeownership, President & CEO
B3 is also working with local organizations, including the Minnesota Homeownership Center and Habitat for Humanity, to connect renters with available home and financial resources. Some tenants may even have the opportunity to purchase the homes they currently live in, while others will explore options in different neighborhoods.
