Join us for a community-wide celebration of National Homeownership Month, featuring a full day of learning, resources, and support for current and aspiring homeowners. This event offers three dedicated workshop tracks designed to meet you exactly where you are on your homeownership journey:

Getting Started — For individuals just beginning to explore what it takes to become a homeowner.

Homebuyer Education Certification — A comprehensive track for those ready to earn their HUD‑approved Homebuyer Education certificate.

Current Homeowners — Practical guidance and tools for maintaining, protecting, and maximizing your home investment.

The event also features a Resource Fair where attendees can connect with lenders, housing counselors, community partners, and service providers offering tools and support for every stage of homeownership.

Education Tracks and Sessions

Homebuyer Certificate Track

Earn your HUD‑approved Homebuyer Education Certificate through a full‑day, instructor‑led workshop hosted by the Dane County Homebuyer Roundtable. This track is designed for those preparing to purchase a home and covers budgeting, credit, mortgage readiness, working with lenders and realtors, and navigating the full homebuying process.

The certificate you receive at the end of the day meets the education requirement for many down‑payment and closing‑cost assistance programs, making it an essential step for buyers seeking financial support.

Attendees must participate in the entire day’s session to earn the certificate.

8:30-9:20	An overview of the homebuying process & financial readiness considerations.
9:25-10:35	Working with a lender and down payment assistance programs.
10:45-11:45	Working with a real estate agent and the home buying process.
11:45-12:30	Lunch & Resource Fair
12:35-2:00	Home inspections and insurance.

Financial & Homebuyer Readiness Track

Build a strong foundation for your homeownership journey with sessions that demystify the homebuying process, strengthen your budgeting and financial readiness, explain down‑payment assistance programs, and offer practical guidance on credit repair. This track is ideal for those preparing to take confident next steps toward purchasing a home. .

8:30-9:20	*Demystifying the home buying process* Get a clear, step‑by‑step overview of what it really takes to buy a home. This session breaks down the essential stages, offers expert guidance, and points you to helpful resources for your next steps. By the end, you’ll understand the fundamentals of the homebuying process and walk away with actionable steps to move forward confidently.
9:25-10:35	*Financial Readiness for Homeownership* Learn how to build a strong financial foundation for buying a home. This session covers budgeting strategies, saving for upfront costs, and understanding what lenders look for so you can move forward with confidence. You’ll leave with clear steps to strengthen your financial readiness and prepare for a successful purchase.
10:45-11:45	*Alternative Homeownership Pathways* Explore nontraditional routes to homeownership through programs offered by Habitat for Humanity, Movin’ Out, and the Madison Area Community Land Trust. This session will help you understand how these models can lower barriers to entry, reduce upfront costs, and create more accessible and sustainable paths to owning a home for eligible families.
11:45-12:30	Lunch & Resource Fair
12:30-1:30	Down Payment Assistance Programs Learn about a range of down payment and closing cost assistance programs available to eligible buyers. This session will walk you through key program types, eligibility criteria, and how to access funding that can make purchasing a home more affordable. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the resources available to support your homeownership journey.
1:30-2:30	Resource Fair

Existing Homeowner Track

Strengthen and protect your investment with sessions on understanding property taxes and available assistance programs, simple energy‑saving strategies, home‑equity refinancing, and local home repair programs. This track supports homeowners looking to maintain stability, reduce costs, and plan for the future.

8:30-9:20	*Understanding Property Assessments, Taxes, and Homeowner Resources in Dane County* This session provides a clear overview of how property assessments and property taxes work in Dane County—from how your home’s value is determined to how it translates into your tax bill. Participants will learn how to understand their assessment, review or appeal it if needed, and explore available credits, exemptions, and local resources that can help reduce costs and support long-term housing stability.
9:25-10:35	*Going Green–Simple Ways to Conserve Energy and Save Money* This session explores simple, practical ways homeowners can reduce energy use and lower utility costs. Led by experts from Project Home, Madison Gas & Electric (MGE), and Focus on Energy, attendees will learn easy, cost-effective strategies to improve energy efficiency at home—from small behavior changes to larger upgrades. The session will also highlight available rebates, incentives, and local programs that can help make energy-saving improvements more affordable.
10:45-11:45	*Keeping Your Home Safe and Strong: Repair Programs & Resources* This session highlights essential home repair programs and resources available to help homeowners maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing. Presented by Project Home and Habitat for Humanity, attendees will learn about common repair services, eligibility requirements, and how to access support for critical home improvements. Whether you need assistance with weatherization, safety upgrades, or major repairs, this session will connect you to trusted local programs that can help you protect your home and reduce long-term costs.
11:45-12:30	Lunch & Resource Fair
12:30-1:30	*Home Equity Loans & Using Your Home's Value* Learn how home equity loans and lines of credit (HELOCs) work and how homeowners can leverage their equity to meet financial goals. This session will cover key differences between loan types, typical eligibility requirements, and important considerations such as interest rates, repayment terms, and risks. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of when using home equity may be a helpful financial tool—and when it may not be the right fit.
1:30-2:30	Resource Fair

Choose your Registration Type*

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Attendee
Exhibitor

Choose your track*

Homebuyer Certificate Track
Earn your HUD‑approved Homebuyer Education Certificate in this full‑day track hosted by the Dane County Homebuyer Roundtable. The certificate meets the education requirement for many down‑payment assistance programs, and full‑day attendance is required to receive it. The sessions will cover budgeting, credit, mortgage readiness, working with lenders and realtors, inspections, insurance, and navigating the complete homebuying process.
Attend this track
Financial & Homebuyer Readiness
Build a strong foundation for your homeownership journey with sessions that demystify the homebuying process, strengthen your budgeting and financial readiness, explain down‑payment assistance programs, and offer practical guidance on credit repair. This track is ideal for those preparing to take confident next steps toward purchasing a home.
Attend this track
Existing Homeowner
Strengthen and protect your investment with sessions on understanding property taxes and available assistance programs, simple energy‑saving strategies, home‑equity refinancing, and local home repair programs. This track supports homeowners looking to maintain stability, reduce costs, and plan for the future.
Attend this track

Register for an exhibitor informational table

Resource Fair Exhibitor & Sponsor Tables

Standard Exhibitor Table ($500.00)
Showcase your services to hundreds of current and aspiring homeowners. This option is ideal for lenders, real estate professionals, home inspectors, insurance providers, and other housing‑related businesses looking to connect directly with attendees seeking guidance and support. Space is limited.
HBRT Exhibitor ($250.00)
Special exhibitor table pricing for active HBRT members.
Nonprofit Exhibitor ($250.00)
Share your programs, services, and expertise with community members exploring homeownership, financial stability, and housing support. This option is designed for mission‑driven organizations that provide education, counseling, financial assistance, or community resources.

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Dane County Homeownership Fair

July 11, 2026

Celebrating National Homeownership Month with workshops & a resource fair for current and aspiring homebuyers and existing homeowners.

About The Event