How To Preserve Homeownership and Build Generational Wealth

How To Preserve Homeownership and Build Generational Wealth

A Workshop on Preventing and Resolving Heirs' Properties

Wednesday, September 23, 2026
9:30 - 12:00 PM ET

Program Overview

Heirs' property issues create significant barriers to homeownership, wealth building, housing stability, and access to home repair resources. This interactive Train-the-Trainer program will equip you to assist first-time homebuyers, current homeowners, and heirs in preventing and resolving heirs' property issues. You will gain practical skills to assist homebuyers to protect their newly acquired asset, educate homeowners about inheritance and ownership risks, and connect heirs to appropriate legal and housing resources.

What You Will be Able to Do

• Define heirs' properties and explain how they occur.
• Articulate risks associated with unclear titles and inherited properties.
• Advise first-time homebuyers on title and ownership considerations.
• Help homeowners prevent heirs' property complications.
• Understand available legal remedies and pathways to clear title.
• Make referrals to legal, housing counseling, and community resources.
• Use educational materials to inform colleagues and clients.

Who Should Attend

Anyone who helps families buy, keep, inherit, or protect a home, including:

• Housing Service Providers: housing counselors, homeownership program educators, foreclosure prevention, and financial capability counselors
• Community-Based Organization Staff: community centers, faith-based organizations, CDCs, senior centers, and nonprofits assisting LMI households
• Financial Industry Professionals: community lending officers, mortgage loan originators, employees involved in homeownership programs
• Legal Aid Professionals
• Realtors and Title Company Staff

Agenda

Welcome and Introduction

• The impact heirs' properties have on housing stability and generational wealth
• Definitions and key concepts
• Consequences of unclear ownership
• What homebuyers, homeowners, and heirs need to know

Prevention and Resolution Strategies

• Wills, estate plans, trusts, and transfer-on-death options
• Titles and Deeds
• Probate considerations
• Working effectively with legal partners

Next Steps

• Educational resources and handouts
• Community outreach opportunities
• Questions and discussion

Presenters

• Marie Beason, Prosperity Indiana
• Blair Hedges, Indiana Legal Services Inc.
• Joi Harmon, The Success Plug