Homebuyer/Home Purchase Counseling

The agency provides consumer assistance for people who live in Los Angeles County. Services include consumer education, credit counseling, credit reporting agencies, debt consolidation services, homebuyer/home purchasing counseling, HUD approved counseling agencies, mortgage delinquency and default counseling, personal financial counseling, specialized information and referral, and workshops and symposiums. There are no geographic restrictions.

Counselors offer personal budget and debt management counseling, as well as counseling related to obtaining and repaying delinquent mortgages and, in certain cases, may also disburse a client's money to creditors as part of a mutually agreed-upon repayment plan. Confidential counseling is offered by phone, over the internet, or in person. In addition, the agency provides speakers, on request, for community organizations for a fee.

The budget and debt management counseling service helps individuals develop a budget tailored to the client's obligations and income. The client may give the agency a set amount of money each month which the agency then sends to the client's creditors. The process usually involves agreement by the creditor to accept reduced interest and/or fees on payments.

As a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, the organization also offers housing counseling. The counselors advise people who are considering application for mortgage loans about the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a home and the obligations which are involved. Reverse mortgage counseling is available as well.

The agency provides pre- and post- bankruptcy counseling and education now required by the Executive Office of the United States Trustee for all who file for bankruptcy.

The agency also provides counseling for people who are encountering problems meeting mortgage payments. Staff offer both budgeting assistance and formal repayment plans, when appropriate. Counselors can also provide basic information about other government and city programs.