what is the difference between housing counselor vs lawyer home buying

by Silas Hayes 4 min read

Housing counseling may be a requirement to qualify for certain mortgages. These counselors are different from your real estate attorney or your real estate agent, who draft and review legal documents before the home sale or offer their services as you search for and purchase a home.Apr 22, 2018

What does a housing counselor do?

Housing counselors are a particular type of financial counselors. Housing counselors specialize in helping people find and keep affordable housing. They can help their clients avoid foreclosure or fill out applications for local affordable housing. HUD, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, certifies housing counselors who meet its standards. You can find a HUD …

What happens when you call a housing counselor about your mortgage?

Sep 09, 2020 · Use the CFPB's Find a Counselor tool to get a list of HUD-approved counseling agencies in your area. Call the HOPE Hotline, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (888) 995-HOPE (4673) Call the CFPB at (855) 411-CFPB (2372) to be connected to a HUD-approved housing counselor over the phone; What happens when you call a housing counselor

What does it mean to be a HUD approved counselor?

Apr 09, 2015 · Your Mortgage Consultant/Counselor and Housing Counselor can be on in the same, or two or more different people. You may go through several Mortgage Consultants for various reasons, to get you to the Qualification Stage. The Housing Counselor is the person that will get you past the finish line, to Credit Access, Bank App, and Closing. me2113 ...

What is homebuyer education and counseling?

Jul 14, 2021 · Homebuyer education is a course that covers the basics of homebuying, such as finding out how much home you can afford, choosing the best loan program, securing the down payment, and what to expect before and after closing. Courses range from four to eight hours long and can be completed in one or two days, either online or in-person.

What to ask a housing counselor about a mortgage?

If you’re calling because you’re having trouble paying your mortgage, the housing counselor will ask you for information about your mortgage loan, such as the amount you owe and the date of your last payment. This information is generally on your last mortgage loan statement.

What is a HUD approved housing counselor?

A HUD-approved housing counselor is specially trained and certified by the government to help you assess your financial situation, evaluate options if you are having trouble paying your mortgage loan, and make a plan to get you help with your mortgage. HUD stands for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

How to find a HUD approved counselor?

There are different ways to find a HUD-approved housing counselor: Use the CFPB's Find a Counselor tool to get a list of HUD-approved counseling agencies in your area . Call the HOPE Hotline, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (888) 995-HOPE (4673)

What does HUD stand for?

HUD stands for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It’s a government agency that helps people get and maintain quality affordable housing. They train and sponsor housing counselors all over the country. Because of this, you can have confidence that a HUD-approved housing counselor is well equipped to help you understand ...

Can you keep your home if you are HUD approved?

If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage. A HUD-approved housing counselor cannot promise that you will get to keep your home. They will help you look at your options and make a decision that’s right for you.

Does HUD give free counseling?

HUD-approved housing counselors provide foreclosure prevention counseling free of charge.

Is homebuyer education or counseling required?

If you’re looking for down payment help, most down payment programs require the recipient to participate in homebuyer education, most often through a HUD-approved counselor or agency. The type of course and time investment may vary from program-to-program.

What does homebuyer education and counseling cost?

Most courses cost approximately $75-$100. With that fee, you also get access to planning documents, videos and other resources after the course is completed.