In 2012, Tampa Bay CDC was awarded the additional designation as a NeighborWorks Homeownership Center. This designation is federally-recognized and it is awarded to agencies who offer “full cycle” services, including pre-purchase counseling and education, post-purchase counseling, home retention counseling, foreclosure prevention counseling, and down payment assistance lending.
Pre Purchase Counseling: An assessment of the customer’s mortgage readiness status is made. This assessment involves reviewing bank statements, tax returns, current income and credit report. A work plan is developed, and customer tasks are assigned. Budgeting, debt recommendation, and credit rebuilding tools are utilized. If the customer is nearly ready or labeled a short-term they are scheduled to attend a homebuyer class and option for down payment assistance programs are discussed with them. If the customer is long term they will be scheduled for a follow up appointment with their counselor and will continue working with the counselor until such time as both agree that they are ready to begin the active process of purchasing a home.
Foreclosure Prevention Counseling: This service is offered to those facing or at imminent danger of foreclosure, within the state of Florida. Staff provide one on one counseling in person, via the internet or by telephone. We fully assess the customer’s hardship and identify available resources. CDC staff are able to achieve solutions with effective communication and submission of the accurate documents needed. It is anticipated that as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic that the need for this service will significantly increase this year.
Homebuyer Education: Customers who are nearly ready or short term attend an 8 hour First Time Homebuyer Workshop. Topics covered in the curriculum include Financial Management, Budgeting, Understanding Credit, Navigating the Mortgage Process, Selecting and Inspecting a Home, New Homeowner Responsibilities and more. During the course participants are provided access to members of a homebuying team which include lenders, realtors, inspectors, insurance agents as well as provided with information regarding available down payment assistance programs.
Financial Education: Clients seeking financial education can attend our free three hour course which focuses on budgeting and credit. This interactive course provides attendees with basic information about money management. This class in not limited to TBCDC clients but is open to the community at large.