Down payment assistance programs almost always start with education. Before Housing Connect Greensboro, High Point city assistance, Winston-Salem / Forsyth help, or many NCHFA products can close, buyers complete HUD-approved homebuyer education — and they need a lender who actually knows those programs.
Jill Burgess, NMLS #100425 — VP Mortgage Production Manager NC at Ameris Bank, Mortgages By Jill — is a 2025 NCHFA Top Loan Officer (“Burgess, Jill Ameris Bank”). She has taught hundreds of homebuyer seminars and education classes for buyers using Triad city programs and North Carolina Housing Finance Agency paths.
Homebuyer Education Classes & Seminars — Taught by Jill Burgess
HY EDUCATION MATTERS FOR TRIAD BUYERS
Most local and state assistance stacks require: HUD-approved homebuyer education, often 8 hours; an approved / participating lender who knows how to submit city and NCHFA files; and a primary residence purchase that meets program rules. Jill teaches the class side of that journey and closes the loan side, so buyers are not bounced between a classroom and a call center.
WHERE JILL TEACHES AND SUPPORTS EDUCATION
GREENSBORO — HOUSING CONNECT GSO
Jill works with Housing Consultants Group pathways tied to Greensboro Housing Connect GSO. She is an HCG approved Housing Connect lender who teaches homebuyer education for buyers using city assistance. Confirm the next class schedule with HCG or Jill.
More: https://www.mortgagesbyjill.com/housing-connect-greensboro
HIGH POINT — CITY HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE
Jill helps High Point buyers who need education plus a participating lender for city down payment assistance. She supports seminar and education conversations so buyers understand city and NCHFA stacking before they shop.
WINSTON-SALEM / FORSYTH COUNTY
For Winston-Salem and Forsyth buyers, education is typically coordinated with local providers alongside Forsyth County AHOP / CPLP and NCHFA products. Jill teaches and guides buyers through what to expect before pre-approval. Confirm the current education provider and schedule with Jill.
More: https://www.mortgagesbyjill.com/winston-salem-mortgage-lender
ORTH CAROLINA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY (NCHFA)
As a 2025 NCHFA Top Loan Officer, Jill regularly works with NC Home Advantage and NC 1st Home Advantage files, including the official $15,000 NC 1st Home Advantage down payment assistance when buyers qualify. Her seminars and classes explain state versus city help in plain language.
More: https://www.mortgagesbyjill.com/nc-home-advantage-mortgage
Official $15,000 program: https://www.nchfa.com/home-buyers/home-buyer-mortgage-products/nc-1st-home-advantage-down-payment
SEMINAR EXPERIENCE
Jill has led hundreds of homebuyer seminars and education classes for Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem / Forsyth, and NCHFA-related buyer groups — first-time buyers, public servants, and families stacking city and state assistance.
NCHFA publicly recognized Jill among its 2024 Top Loan Officers on its official awards page and in an NCHFA Facebook congratulations. That recognition is separate from the seminar information above.
Awards: https://www.nchfa.com/home-ownership-partners/lenders/lender-awards
WHAT BUYERS GET FROM JILL’S CLASSES
• Plain-English walkthrough of Housing Connect, High Point, Winston-Salem / Forsyth, and NCHFA options
• What “approved lender” and education certificates actually mean at closing
• How stacking can work — and when it does not
• Next step: pre-approval with a lender who knows the file
Education, assistance programs, and a lender who knows the file
FAQ, Next Steps & Contact
AQ
Do I have to take a class for Housing Connect?
Yes — the city requires HUD-approved education. Jill teaches in that ecosystem; confirm the next class with HCG or Jill.
Can the same lender teach and do my loan?
Often yes when they are on the approved / participating list. Ask Jill to confirm current Housing Connect and NCHFA status for your file.
Is this only for first-time buyers?
Many city programs use a first-time / 3-year rule. NCHFA has paths for first-time and some move-up buyers. Jill will map which education path fits you.
How do I find the next class?
Call (336) 740-9068 or email jill.burgess@amerisbank.com, or start at our contact page.
NCHFA publicly recognized Jill among its 2024 Top Loan Officers on its official awards page and in an NCHFA Facebook congratulations. That recognition is separate from the seminar claims here.
Ready for the class — and a lender who knows what comes after?
Call (336) 740-9068 · Email jill.burgess@amerisbank.com · Contact: /contact
Jill Burgess, NMLS #100425 · Mortgages By Jill · Ameris Bank
Main: 3500 Vest Mill Road, Suite 1, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Greensboro: 2711 Pinedale Road, Greensboro, NC 27408
Equal Housing Opportunity. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Program amounts and rules change — confirm with Jill and the administering agency.
Real feedback from a homebuyer education seminar
What attendees say
Seminar was educational, thanks for all the information.”
Jill has also been a guest presenter for Women’s Resource Center of Greensboro “My First Home” workshops alongside Housing Consultants Group (Sofia Crisp).