Housing counseling is a one-on-one, in-house service available to potential homeowners in the State of Georgia and South Carolina. The agency offers three types of housing related counseling services.

Pre-Purchase Housing Counseling

While this service is open to any party interested in homeownership, many lenders and housing initiatives require this counseling and the subsequently issued “certificate of completion” in order for one to pursue and/or complete a home loan package. Certified housing counselors will explore many topics relating to homeownership, including developing an individualized budget to ensure that homeownership is a feasible option. Pre-Purchase housing counseling sessions typically last 1.25 – 1.5 hours and include time for questions and answers.

Delinquent Mortgage Counseling

Default Mortgage counseling is conducted individually by a certified housing counselor in an effort to assist consumers who are delinquent on their mortgage loans or who are in fear of becoming delinquent on their mortgage loans. Counseling is tailored to meet the needs of individual consumers’ circumstances with a focus in resolving/preventing delinquency and educating consumers on viable options. Counselors also act as a liaison between consumers and their mortgage lenders. If a workout plan is possible, the counselor will assist in completion of paperwork and documentation necessary to provide to lenders. Sessions typically last 1.25 – 1.5 hours and include time for questions and answers. Follow-up sessions can be provided and are encouraged.

Reverse Mortgage Counseling

A reverse mortgage is a loan against home equity providing cash advances to a borrower and requiring no repayment until a future time. In order to qualify, a homeowner must be 62 years of age, must reside in the residence which he/she is applying for the reverse mortgage, and must obtain a certificate verifying completion of reverse mortgage counseling. Reverse Mortgage counseling is conducted individually by a certified Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) counselor to educate and assist consumers who are considering a reverse mortgage loan. The session includes a comprehensive comparison of financial and reverse mortgage options, as well as an informative discussion involving the costs, processes and terminology associated with reverse mortgages. Sessions typically last 1.25 – 1.5 hours and include time for questions and answers.