Home Stretch is an in-person homebuyer-education course held over two Thursday evenings, October 1 and 8, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Dakota County CDA office. Participants study budgeting and credit, mortgage financing and qualification, finding a home, the purchase and closing process, and responsibilities after becoming a homeowner. A certified Home Stretch educator and professionals such as lenders, real estate agents and home inspectors contribute to the course. The fee is $20 per Dakota County household or $40 for a household from outside the county. Registration and an intake form are needed to hold a place. Participants must attend both evenings on time, take part in activities and complete the survey to receive a certificate; arrivals more than ten minutes late are not admitted.