Tampa Bay CDC provides pre-purchase homeownership counseling, education, guidance and support on an individual basis to Tampa Bay residents with the goal of owning their own home. The emphasis is on one-on-one counseling with the client’s resources and problems being the prime consideration in the development of an “action plan” to help the future home owner to overcome any barriers to home ownership. Counseling includes credit and debt resolution, as well as budgeting and purchase assistance.
Upon successfully concluding implementation of a “financial plan” and purchasing a home, Tampa Bay CDC provides post-purchase homeownership counseling. The goal of this program is the preservation of the home. Our housing counseling services provide advice, assistance and financial counseling for any financial problem that threatens ownership of the home will always be available upon request.
How Do I get Started?
How much will it cost?
All of our counseling services are FREE. The only cost involved is $21.40 per person to obtain a merged credit report from the three major bureaus.
What happens next?
Together with a Counselor, you will complete a review of your current financial situation and develop a personalized homeownership plan. Your plan will address the key issues pertinent to qualifying for a mortgage: employment stability, income, current debt ratio and credit. These issues will be discussed in detail and solutions will be outlined. A Counselor will also determine your eligibility for Downpayment Assistance Programs.
How long will it take?
Each individual situation is unique, which is why we suggest to get started as soon as possible. Once you meet with a counselor they can help you move through the process and address any problems that may arise.
Tampa Bay CDC will continue to work with you as you work towards your goal of homeownership. We will contact you to provide support and encouragement, and you will receive a quarterly newsletter full of helpful tips intended to inform, educate and motivate you.
The time to start is now!
One thing is certain, “the only people who can’t finish are those who never start!” The dream of your own home doesn’t have to be just a dream. If you’re willing to learn, plan and work toward your goal, Tampa Bay CDC can put you on the right track to success!
Home Retention Counseling Services
Florida Hardest-Hit Program
The federal government has allocated funding to help pay the mortgages of qualified homeowners who are unemployed or underemployed through no fault of their own. The Florida Hardest-Hit Fund (HHF) program aims to assist qualified Florida homeowners by providing mortgage assistance for up to 12 months (capped at $24,000), or until the homeowner finds adequate employment to resume paying the mortgage (whichever comes first), with up to $18,000 available to reinstate a delinquent first mortgage prior to payments being made. Additionally, for a homeowner who is recovering from unemployment or underemployment, up to $24,000 is available as a one-time payment to reinstate a delinquent first mortgage.
HHF assistance is paid directly to the loan servicer/lender for those homeowners deemed eligible to participate in the program. To find out if you qualify for assistance, please visit the HHF official website to review eligibility criteria and to apply; please use Referral Code 05599 when completing your application and our office will gladly assist you throughout the entire eligibility process.
Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation is an approved HHF Advisor Agency.
Florida Hardest-Hit Fund Principal Reduction Program (HHF-PR)
The federal government has allocated funding to assist eligible Florida homeowners who owe at least 125% more on their home than its current market value, commonly referred to as the home being “underwater.” The Florida Hardest-Hit Fund Principal Reduction (HHF-PR) program will provide up to $50,000 to an eligible homeowner(s) to help reduce the principal balance of the first mortgage. The program is available in all 67 counties in the State. To review program eligibility criteria and/or to submit an application, you will need to visit www.PrincipalReductionFLHHF.org. Please use Referral Code 05599 when completing your application and our office will gladly assist you throughout the entire eligibility process.
