GET STARTED
EDUCATE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU BUY.
A HUD-approved, self-guided course or a trained housing counselor in your community can help you learn how to save for your home purchase, work with lenders and real estate professionals, understand the mortgage process, and ensure you are well-prepared for homeownership.
Housing counselors are trained professionals certified through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They can help you make informed decisions based on your financial situation and needs. Although it is not required, it is recommended that first-time homebuyers work with one.
Housing Counselors can:
Help you make a step-by-step action plan to meet your goals
Educate you on how to work with a realtor, what a bank looks for in the mortgage application, the importance of title insurance, home inspection, home insurance, and the closing process
Work with you to overcome common barriers to homeownership, such as low income, bad credit or no credit, and excess credit card debt
Help you identify FHA programs that help first-time homebuyers in your area, such as down payment and closing cost assistance programs
Help you understand exactly how much home you can afford to buy
YOU CAN GET HELP WITH TOPICS LIKE:
Preparing your finances
How your credit affects homeownership
Mortgage programs and processes
Down payment and closing assistance
Shopping for a home
The importance of having a home inspection
The closing process
Home maintenance responsibilities
Predatory lending practices and avoiding foreclosure
Fair housing
