OUR PROGRAMS

Our team of professional housing counselors are ready to work with you, one-on-one.  NeighborWorks® Sacramento is approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide these services and our counselors are HUD-Certified. 

RENTAL preparedness

Our team of compassionate HUD-Certified Housing Counselors understands the multifaceted challenges individuals often face when endeavoring to secure safe and sustainable housing arrangements. We recognize that the journey toward finding suitable accommodation can be daunting, especially when confronted with various financial, legal, and personal obstacles. That’s why we’re here to offer a wide range of specialized services designed to address your specific needs and circumstances.

If you find yourself in urgent need of rental assistance due to unforeseen circumstances or financial hardships, our experienced counselors stand ready to provide guidance and support to help you navigate through these challenging times. Whether you’re transitioning from homelessness and seeking stability and a fresh start, or if you’re deliberating between the pros and cons of renting versus owning a home, our team can offer valuable insights and assistance to help you make informed decisions.

No matter your circumstances or the challenges you’re facing, our team is here to offer personalized support and guidance every step of the way. We believe that everyone deserves access to safe and sustainable housing, and we’re committed to helping you achieve that goal.

homebuyer COUNSELING

When you schedule a personalized pre-purchase appointment with one of our knowledgeable HUD-Certified Housing Counselors, you’re taking a proactive step towards realizing your dream of homeownership. During your two-hour session, you’ll receive a thorough assessment of your readiness to purchase a home, covering crucial aspects of your financial situation and preparedness. This comprehensive review may include a detailed examination of your tri-merge credit report, a comprehensive analysis of your monthly budget, an assessment of the affordability of a mortgage payment compared to your current rental payment, discussion of savings requirements, exploration of down-payment options, and a review of available financing alternatives.

Your dedicated counselor will work closely with you to create a personalized and actionable plan tailored to your specific goals and circumstances. This roadmap will serve as your guide, outlining the necessary steps to achieve your homeownership objectives and providing clarity on what to expect throughout the process.

Following your initial session, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in follow-up counseling sessions to further progress towards your goals. Each follow-up session will focus on addressing the next steps in your journey, from assembling your homebuying team to preparing and submitting your offer, and navigating through the entire escrow process. With our ongoing support and guidance, you’ll be empowered to navigate the complexities of the homebuying process with confidence and clarity, ensuring that you’re well-prepared to make informed decisions every step of the way.

homeowner COUNSELING

Following the purchase of your home, our commitment to your success extends beyond the closing date. Our post-purchase counseling support is readily available to provide ongoing education and resources in a multitude of areas, ensuring that you have the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive as a homeowner.

From property maintenance to understanding property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and navigating homeowner associations (HOA) and special assessments, our comprehensive support system covers a wide range of topics essential to maintaining and protecting your investment. Whether you’re considering refinancing options, preparing to sell your home, or seeking guidance on disaster preparedness, our team is here to offer expert assistance and valuable insights every step of the way.

We understand that the journey of homeownership can be both exciting and challenging, and we’re dedicated to providing the guidance and support you need to navigate it successfully. With our post-purchase counseling services, you can trust that you’ll have access to the resources and expertise necessary to make informed decisions and achieve your long-term homeownership goals.

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION

If you’re facing the prospect of falling behind on your mortgage payments or foresee challenges in meeting future payments, know that you’re not alone. Our dedicated team of HUD-Certified Housing Counselors is here to provide compassionate support and assistance through our comprehensive foreclosure prevention services.

We understand the overwhelming stress and uncertainty that can accompany financial difficulties related to homeownership, and we’re committed to helping you explore viable solutions to protect your home and equity. Our counselors are equipped to guide you through a range of options tailored to your specific circumstances, empowering you to make informed decisions for your financial future.

Through our foreclosure prevention services, we offer valuable education and support to help you navigate through the complexities of the process. This includes understanding the requirements and implications of forbearance, exploring loss mitigation strategies, considering options such as short-sale or deed-in-lieu, and crafting an effective hardship letter to communicate your situation to lenders. We can also assist you in applying for the California Mortgage Relief Program, if eligible.

During this stressful period, our team is here to offer the support and guidance you need to navigate through the foreclosure prevention process with confidence and peace of mind. You can rely on us to be by your side every step of the way, working tirelessly to help you find solutions that protect your home and financial well-being

student loan counseling

Navigating the journey of college life is undeniably challenging. Yet, as one emerges from this  experience, a new challenge arises: the task of repaying the accumulated student loan debt. The weight of this financial burden can cast a long shadow over the post-graduation horizon, dimming the excitement of newfound accomplishments.

Fortunately, there exists a beacon of guidance in the form of student loan counselors. These knowledgeable professionals serve as pillars of support, offering a lifeline to individuals navigating the intricate landscape of student loan repayment. By seeking their expertise, graduates can embark on a journey of financial empowerment, armed with insights and strategies tailored to their unique circumstances.

A consultation with a  student loan counselor is far more than a mere transactional exchange—it’s an investment in financial literacy and stability. Through a personalized, one-on-one interaction, individuals can expect a comprehensive review of their financial standing. This deep dive into their economic landscape allows for a nuanced understanding of income, expenses, and debt obligations.

With this thorough assessment in hand, the counselor collaborates with the individual to develop a customized repayment plan. This plan isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution but rather a meticulously crafted strategy designed to address specific needs and goals. Factors such as income level, family obligations, and career trajectory are carefully considered to ensure the plan is both feasible and sustainable.

FAQS

Most frequent questions and answers

Its simple. You begin by reaching out online at nwsacramento.org Go the “Counseling Intake Forms” and select the intake form for the service you are needing. If you want more in depth information about each service, please visit our counseling services page on our website. You may also email counseling@nwsac.org for general inquires or questions or call us directly at 916-452-5356.

The required documentation is so your assigned Certified HUD Counselor can get the full picture of your situation. By having the complete picture, we are better able to assist with all aspects of your housing goals. Typical required documentation is as follows (additional items may be needed): 

  • valid photo ID
  • two months’ current, consecutive bank statements
  • proof of income 
    • Acceptable documents may include 
      • current, consecutive paystubs from the past 30 days 
      • current W-2s 
      • Social Security benefit letters 
      • unemployment benefits 
      • current tax returns or Profit and Loss statements, if self employed 
  • a current mortgage statement, if an active loan exists
  • a credit report 

 

In the case of tenant/landlord disputes, please also provide: 

  • lease agreement 
  • and any correspondence which may help your counselor understand the situation

You will work one-on-one with a HUD Certified Counselor who will look into your current status, your specific needs, and your eligibility for resources to build an action plan that you can follow toward your housing goas. They will provide you with comprehensive support every step of the way and tell you what to watch out for, what phone numbers to call, what forms to fill out, and how. Housing counseling with us is completely free of charge and provides you with a lot of great information that will help you make an informed decision about your housing situation.  

We understand not everyone has access to technology. You may come in person to complete the intake form and submit the required documentation, or we can complete the process via mail.  

The processing time to get an appointment spans between 5 – 10 business days, contingent upon your submission of all required documentation. If you act promptly and submit your documents within the same day as your intake form, it is possible to be scheduled within the next business day.

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