The Service Tree lists all services in "branched" groups, starting with the very general and moving to the very specific. Click on the name of any group name to see the sub-groups available within it. Click on a service code to see its details and the providers who offer that service.
Housing Counseling
Homebuyer/Home Purchase Counseling
Programs that help people who want to purchase a home evaluate their readiness for homeownership, shop for housing that meets their needs, resolve potential credit problems, analyze specific home purchase offers, obtain a mortgage loan with advantageous interest rates and an affordable monthly payment, and complete the paperwork to close the loan and complete the sale. Also included are programs that provide assistance for people who want to refinance a home.
HUD Approved Counseling Agencies
Agencies funded by the federal Office of Housing and Urban Development to provide prepurchase and mortgage default counseling, home equity conversion (reverse mortgage) counseling and information about the HUD rent assistance program for current and prospective purchasers and tenants.
Tenant Readiness Education Programs
Programs that offer classes which help prospective renters acquire and keep decent housing. Many programs are tailored for people who have been denied housing because of poor or no credit, bad references, past evictions, criminal history or other screening barriers. These classes help participants learn how to take responsibility for past rental issues, improve their credit, manage their money, understand the application and rental process, find affordable housing, develop a positive relationship with their landlord and neighbors, and be responsible tenants. Specifics may include information about credit reports and how they are used in the tenant screening process; resources for evaluating an available rental unit and their prospective landlord; the tenant screening process and their rights under fair housing regulations; rental agreements and typical legal (and illegal) provisions; maintenance responsibilities (who is responsible for maintenance and repair of rental unit features); and moving out including notice, security deposits and evictions. Some programs issue a certificate of completion that can be presented to landlords upon application for tenancy. Also included are tenant education programs for high school or college/university students or others who lack experience as a tenant and want to begin their rental experience on a positive note.