Housing Counseling

CIDMCE is approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a Housing Counseling agency providing pre-purchase, post-purchase, default/foreclosure and Home Equity Conversion mortgage counseling. We are pro-active in our communities by providing housing literacy and counseling locations where individuals can learn about available resources and programs. In order to best serve our clients, CIDMCE are adopters of the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Counseling and Education (NISHEC).

It is our belief that housing programs must be integrated closely with other programs that address the needs of all residents and their communities, including economic development, human services and education programs. All residents should have access to decent, affordable housing in a safe living environment.

Our agency services all segments of the population regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status and disability. CIDMCE's housing counseling services enable a client to make informed and reasonable decisions to achieve their housing goal, by meeting their needs.

HOUSING COUNSELING SERVICES

What does our HUD approval mean?

Section 106 (a) (2) of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 provides the legislative authority for HUD to provide housing counseling services directly, or through private or public organizations with special competence and knowledge in counseling low and moderate income families. Our housing counselors are familiar with various HUD housing and community programs and know what course of action makes the most sense for you. Having this knowledge enables our counselors to inform the client in detail regarding what housing is available for which the client is eligible and the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved in particular housing transactions-laws, mortgages, notes, contracts, etc.

Certification/Training of our Counselors

CIDMCE's commitment to providing an effective housing counseling program is evident through the knowledge and experiences of its staff. On average, each housing counselor has been counseling for at least two years. They are required to complete certification in the housing counseling area administered by the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (Institutes for Personal Finance), designating Counselors as Certified Housing Counselors upon completion. The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education is recognized nationally for their certification programs. One of the requirements to maintain membership in the Association for Independent Consumer Credit counseling Agencies, our national affiliate, is to achieve and maintain the Accredited Financial Counselor status.

Counselors participate regularly in continuing education programs to increase their knowledge in specialized subjects. They are required to attend necessary training education programs in order to uphold a current, high level of knowledge in the housing counseling area. Continuing education programs include topics such as; loans, mortgages, terms, mortgage default, the foreclosure process, etc. All housing counselors are required to be fully knowledgeable in areas of Federal, State, and local fair housing laws and regulations. Because of this training and certification process, our housing counselors are familiar with various HUD housing and community programs and know what course of action makes the most sense for you.

Pre/Post Purchase Counseling

If you are interested in buying a home now or in the future, CIDMCE can help you through the process. You may be curious about whether you are ready to stop renting and start paying yourself. You may have seen a home you are interested in buying, or may have even consulted a lender about pre-qualifying for a loan. Your initial counseling session will cover topics such as budgeting for mortgage payments, money management and referral to community services. If applicable, a review is performed of HUD loan qualifications, assuring that Fair Housing laws are understood.

CIDMCE offers a homebuyer education course titled "Make Your Move" (click here). It may be completed via self-study or classroom. We offer a comprehensive post-purchase education program to help existing homeowners maximize the benefits of homeownership and to preserve homeownership. The post-purchase curriculum covers community involvement, staying financially fit, taxes (property & income), various insurances, record keeping, foreclosure prevention, lending abuses, responsibilities as a landlord, home maintenance & improvement, home safety and energy efficiency.

Default/Foreclosure Prevention Counseling

Default counseling is provided to any individual with a current or expected delinquent mortgage situation on a FHA, VA, or conventional mortgage. A certified housing counselor will help you prepare an assessment of your financial situation to determine the root cause of the problem and the best course of action to resolve your issues based on your capability to handle the mortgage payment. Our housing counselors work with lenders in loan modifications, short sales and deed in lieu of foreclosure, to name a few. When required by the mortgagor, applicable HUD forms, including Homeownership Counseling Certificate (Form HUD-90038) and Application to Participate in a Pre-Foreclosure sale (Form HUD-90036). We will serve as a mediator and will contact your lender with you on your behalf. Homeownership is something many consumers cherish and we are here to help preserve that dream!

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)

CIDMCE certified housing counselors provide you with the information necessary to make an educated decision as to whether a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage is a beneficial tool to help you stay in your primary residence. Your counselor will provide basic information on reverse mortgages in general, key HECM program features, review of implications of this financing tool, and any explanation or resources for remaining questions you may have.

Rental Counseling

Provides for an initial financial assessment. Options are discussed based on housing need and delinquency. Counselors may contact the landlord to assist both parties in resolving rental delinquency. Drafting a budget plan may occur during the session if additional time is needed to resolve the delinquency. Alternatively, homeownership goals are established.

Homeless/Displacement Counseling

Provides for an initial financial assessment. Options are discussed based on housing need. Counselors may contact social services for referral sources (i.e., transitional housing, shelters, public housing authorities, etc.). Drafting a budget plan may occur during the session to assess affordability of future housing.

CIDMCE is poised to meet your housing counseling needs. Contact us today at: 1-888-671-2227.