Homebuyer Workshop
The Urban League of Greater Columbus' Housing and Community Development Program is an approved counseling agency of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The program provides several types of housing counseling services to the general public. Counseling sessions focus on financial preparedness and mortgage readiness, and other areas applicable to obtaining, and maintaining safe homeownership. Clients are invited to attend a monthly first-time homebuyer’s education workshop, conducted by the certified housing counselor of the Urban League of Greater Columbus' housing department. Other subject matter experts that participate include bankers, mortgage lenders, realtors, home inspectors, down payment assistance programs, home maintenance experts and more.
The objectives of the program are to:
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Expand and increase homeownership opportunities for families and individuals,
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Improve access to affordable housing
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Preserve homeownership through education and empowerment of homeowners.
Pre and Post Purchase Counseling
Homebuyers Clubs are for individuals who are six to 24 months away from homeownership. We provide help with financial literacy, budgeting, credit repair, and remove barriers that may keep participants from purchasing homes.
The Homebuyers Clubs will help participants to:
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Develop a clear understanding of the process to become, and remain, a safe and sustainable homeowner.
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Respond to circumstances beyond their control by using various resources to prevent foreclosure.
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Learn tips to increase and protect their assets.
Our housing counselors provide guidance and information to help families and individuals improve their housing conditions and meet the responsibilities of tenancy and homeownership. We assist in helping prospective homebuyers avoid inflated appraisals, unreasonably high interest rates, un-affordable repayment terms, and other conditions that can result in a loss of equity, increased debt, default, and eventually foreclosure.
Foreclosure & Loan Modification Counseling
Another primary focus is preventing and/or resolving mortgage delinquency; preventing foreclosure- with a primary objective to preserve homeownership. Counselors help existing homeowners address their needs and navigate the many options regarding refinancing. Counselors may also provide assistance to the homeless in distress to help them secure permanent, safe and affordable housing, as well as provide supportive housing services to meet the needs of the elderly and disabled.