First-time Homebuyer Q&A
Being a first-time homebuyer comes with a learning curve and purchasing your first home is a big step. It’s normal to have some questions along the way. Our Housing Counseling program has the answers for first-time homebuyers—and can help for free!
The program offers assistance in the form of:
- A First-time Homebuyers Education Workshop
- Pre-purchase counseling
- Mortgage default counseling
- Refinancing assistance
Check out this Q&A with TAP Housing Counselor Sierra Sallah, who addresses some common concerns among our clients.
I am not sure what my options are when it comes to receiving help with my homeownership needs; Where do I start?
It pays off to ask! Many clients I work with are not aware of their options. They may have already started the home-purchasing process and accepted a payment option, but are unsure of what they have actually agreed to.
A client told me that the greatest benefit of partnering with a housing counselor who has their best interest at heart is that they have extensive pre-existing knowledge and can ask questions that the client might not know to ask.
Do I need to meet any qualifications or be in a specific phase of the home-buying process to participate?
TAP meets you where you are. Clients do not need to meet any particular qualifications or be in a particular phase of the home-purchasing process to qualify for the Housing Counseling program. All of our clients can receive one-on-one counseling.
Do I need to purchase a home within a specific timeframe when participating in the Housing Counseling program?
There is no pressure to adhere to a timeline. My ultimate goal is to help a client complete the home-buying process within 18-24 months, but as life changes, so can timeframes.
I also refer clients to outside resources, such as realtors, financial institutions, mortgage officers, and other local agencies to encourage them to stay on track with their goals.
Does my home need to already be in foreclosure to receive assistance?
Your home does not have to be in foreclosure for you to be eligible to receive delinquency or default counseling. If a client is past due on their mortgage payment, then I will assist them in exploring all avenues to become current and stay current on their payments moving forward.
Interested in learning more?
Click here to learn more about how TAP’s Housing Counseling program can help you reach your homeownership goals, or call (540) 283‑4917. You can also check out our free Housing Counseling Workshop event on Facebook.