> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pylon.mortgage/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Homeownership Education Course Certificate

> Provide the certificate of completion for an approved homeownership education course when required by special GSE programs.

## What this task is

This task collects the **counseling or education certificate** issued after the borrower completes an **approved homeownership education course**.
The certificate should:

* Clearly identify the **borrower**,
* Show the **course provider or agency**, and
* Include the **completion date** and **course name**.

The course itself typically covers topics such as **budgeting, mortgage basics, responsibilities of homeownership, and avoiding default**.

## When this task is required

This task is required when the loan is being originated under certain **special GSE or affordable housing programs** that mandate homeownership education as a **program condition**.
Examples include, but are not limited to:

* **Fannie Mae HomeReady**
* **Freddie Mac Home Possible**

The requirement generally applies when:

* The borrower meets specific **income, first-time homebuyer, or property type** criteria defined by the program, and
* The program guidelines explicitly state that **homeownership education is mandatory**.

## Why this task is required

Homeownership education is intended to:

* Prepare borrowers—especially **first-time or moderate-income buyers**—for the **financial and practical responsibilities** of owning a home.
* Improve the borrower’s understanding of **loan terms, budgeting, and risk factors**, which can reduce the likelihood of **delinquency or default**.

From the lender’s perspective, the certificate:

* Demonstrates compliance with **program-specific requirements** for education and counseling.
* Ensures the loan qualifies for **requested pricing, MI, or secondary-market execution** under the special program.
* Provides evidence, in the loan file, that the borrower has completed the **required educational component** before or at closing.

Without this certificate, the loan may **fail to meet eligibility criteria** for the chosen program, potentially impacting **pricing or deliverability**.

## Documents needed to resolve this task

To satisfy this task, provide:

* A **homeownership education or counseling certificate** that:
  * Identifies the **borrower by name**,
  * Shows the **course provider or agency** (for example, an approved HUD or GSE partner), and
  * Includes the **date of completion** and **course title or designation**.
* If the program or lender has a list of **approved providers**, ensure the certificate comes from one of those **eligible agencies**.

These documents allow the underwriter to document **program compliance** and retain the required evidence for any **post-closing review or audit**.