Home Ownership Program (H.O.P.)

The Counseling and Education Program offers the opportunity to learn to manage your finances so you can buy a home or keep your current one.

Your debt may not keep you from becoming the homeowner you want to be. Four out of ten people that go through the Counseling and Education Program become home owners within a year.

If you already own your home the Counseling and Education Program can assist you with refinancing, qualifying for the right home equity loan or saving your home from foreclosure.

Enrolling in the Step Buy Step first time homebuyer's program can help you by providing comprehensive financial counseling, home buyer education and much, much more!

Step 1 - Enrollment

It all begins with you...click here to find out more.

Step 2 - Credit Counseling

Now you are one step closer to realizing your dream...After you are enrolled you will be assigned a counselor who will review your credit report with you. Then you will work together to investigate and resolve any issues. Your counselor will also help you understand your credit score and create budgeting habits to ensure your success in becoming a new homeowner.

Step 3 - Budget Counseling

Your dream is within sight...Your counselor will help you formulate a personalized budget for you to track your current spending and build a savings plan. Then your income will be reviewed to determine what type of mortgage loan will be the best match for your lifestyle.

Step 4 - Attend Education Classes

Your dream of owning a home is a few steps away...Once credit issues are resolved and your savings are building you'll begin the educational part of our program. Classes taught by area professionals will give you the tools necessary to make a good decision on the purchase of your home.

Step 5 - Find Your Dream Home

Your Dream is within reach...After completing the classes you can now start shopping for your new home. Your counselor will be there to direct you toward homes in the price range and neighborhood of interest. Your counselor is not a real estate agent but will have knowledge of homes for sale. Your counselor will explain this system in your graduation interview.

Step 6 - Moving Day !

Your dream has come true! When you have decided on a home to purchase be sure to tell the loan officer that you have been through home ownership counseling and have them contact Counseling and Education Program for your certificate of completion. This will help you qualify for special bank loan programs and/or make you eligible to receive down payment assistance in target areas.