We at Shalom Center offer a wide range of services to help the potential homeowner which include homebuyer education, access to down-payment assistance, access to affordable loan products, and a credit rebuilding program. We also provide access to a network of lender, realtor, and insurance partners. Shalom Center counseling services include, but are not limited, to the following:
1. Pre-Purchase Homebuyer Education Workshops
The first step in becoming a homeowner is for the client to attend our Homebuyer Education workshop. This program is designed to educate potential homebuyers of the many steps to homeownership. Shalom Center will provide a minimum of 8 hours of group education workshops including on-line education supported by EHome America and Framework managed by HUD approved housing counseling intermediaries, and the curriculum exceeds the National Industry Standards for homebuyer education. HUD only approves agency and not curricula. Shalom Center will used approved and recognized curriculum and will deliver information in partnership with industry experts in mortgage lending, real estate sales, closing agents, credit counselors and other related partners in the mortgage arena. Our mission in providing these services is to acquaint the potential homebuyer with the mortgage process and introduce the buyers to the major players. By providing greater access to relevant information and education, Shalom Center aims to ensure that potential homebuyers can make wise and informed decisions during the home purchase process. Upon completion of the course, clients will receive a certificate of completion.
Each program cycle of education workshops begins with an orientation session. The purpose of the orientation session is to:
- Discuss the basic benefits and responsibilities of homeownership
- Generate excitement about the home buying process using audience participation
- Preview components of the homebuyer administrative course
- Offer opportunities to order and review a personal credit report
The education curriculum will include the following modules:
- Budget and credit management
- Shopping for a loan
- Shopping for a home
- Ready for closing
- Maintenance and financial upkeep of home after purchase
2. One-on-One Pre-Purchase Counseling
In order to address specific hurdles faced by the potential homebuyer, Shalom Center’s housing counselor will provide one-on-one homeownership counseling. This service will be conducted in a face-to-face confidential setting and will include one or more of the following services: pre-purchase; pre-rental; search assistance/mobility; fair housing; budgeting for mortgage or rent payments; money management; and housing care and maintenance. Housing counseling will also provide guidance related to alternative sources of mortgage credit; how to apply for housing assistance; how to identify and avoid predatory lending practices; locating housing which provides universal design and accessibility; referrals to community or homeless services; regulatory agencies; and non-traditional loans
The first step in becoming a homeowner is for the client to attend our Homebuyer Education workshop. This program is designed to educate potential homebuyers of the many steps to homeownership. We provide comprehensive housing counseling and homebuyer education courses.
Home Buyer Education
Purchasing a home is the largest financial decision most people will ever make, so it’s important to understand the process. Shalom Center encourages all our clients to take a home buyer class before they set out on the road to homeownership. Being well informed will help you make good decisions when purchasing your home. It’s important to know the process and have the tools to plan ahead so you can manage your finances and be a successful homeowner. Home buyer education workshops are provided by our partners whose instructors are experts in the field. The course is HUD and HCDILA-approved and can qualify you for savings on your FHA mortgage insurance as well as via other first-time home buyer assistance programs.
The course will give you an in-depth look at:
- Preparing for homeownership
- Managing your money
- Understanding the importance of credit
- Qualifying for a mortgage
- Shopping for a home
- Available down payment and closing costs programs
- Protecting your investment