Tampa Bay CDC provides pre-purchase homeownership counseling, Financial Fitness, and Foreclosure Prevention Counseling. All of these counseling services will provide guidance and support on an individual basis to Tampa Bay residents. Whether your goal is to own your own home, budget management or to avoid foreclosure our experienced and certified counselors will help you through the process. 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 you through your personal journey. 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 for pre-purchase counseling is $24.91 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!