Housing Counseling
Making Homeownership a Reality
Let’s work together to make owning your own home part of your financial journey. The programs and expertise from our HUD Certified Counselors can help you and your family get into your first home fast.
Housing Counseling & Foreclosure Intervention
Pre-Purchase Counseling
Potential homeowners can benefit from a personalized financial evaluation before they step into homeownership, securing a better interest rate based on having and maintaining a good credit history. A professional counselor can evaluate finances, perform a credit assessment, and make recommendations for improving credit.
HECM/Reverse Mortgage Counseling
Homeowners who are considering a reverse mortgage are required to obtain Reverse Mortgage counseling from a HECM-certified housing counseling agency before they can make an application. CCCS has qualified counselors on staff to meet the needs of this requirement.
Foreclosure Prevention Counseling
If you are a homeowner at risk of foreclosure, Consumer Credit Counseling Service is here to help. Our HUD Certified staff will complete a financial analysis and provide clients with options for preventing foreclosure.
Homebuyer Education
Buying a home is probably the biggest, most expensive purchase you will ever make.
Exploring our homebuyer education guide before you become a homeowner can help you get the best home for your money. This education is offered in-person, by phone, Zoom or online.
The “Make Your Move… A Guide to Homeownership” online course will help you understand the terms used in the home-buying process, the professionals you’ll work with, and the documents you’ll need to close your loan. You’ll learn what to expect as you go through the process of shopping for and buying a home. You’ll gain knowledge on how to get your best start and how to avoid predatory lenders. Plus, you will receive a certificate when you finish the course.
*PLEASE NOTE: This is an automated system. You are responsible for printing your certificate and any chapters of the book for future reference.
You make decisions about money every day — some minor, some that will affect you for years. If you have questions about repairing or improving your credit and credit score, using a budget, or getting out of debt, you’ve come to the right place. CCCS of the Ozarks gives you the resources you need to achieve financial freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Take a realistic look at your finances and job history.
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- Maintenance and repairs are not your responsibility.
- Relocation is easier.
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- Monthly rent due.
- What day is rent due.
- Acceptable methods of paying rent.
- The grace period for late paying rent, if any.
- Fees for paying rent late, if any.
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Renting does not earn you home equity.
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No it is not necessarily a waste of money. If you expect to move, renting gives your more flexibility.
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How much home can you afford.
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Anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months.
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Yes. The National Association of Realtors regulates a Realtor and subscribes to a strict Code of Ethics. A real estate agent does not.
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Some lenders will approve buyers with a 580 score, but a 620 score or higher is recommended. A higher score offers better lending terms.
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It depends on your loan type. Usually 3% to 5% down of the purchase price.
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A reverse mortgage is a loan that uses your home as collateral to access borrowing funds to help the homeowner with cash flow.
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Yes, the homeowner would still be required to pay the property taxes, insurance, and upkeep.
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You can learn more here.
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Yes, the loan would typically be paid through the sale of the home either by the homeowner or the estate
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Yes, homeowners need reverse mortgage counseling before obtaining the loan. Note: There are situations where clients beyond the homeowners will need counseling.
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The first step is to talk to a reverse mortgage loan lender. This will help with some preliminary questions to ensure certain requirements are met.
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The session involves identifying the situation and goals. This will help to look at alternatives, teach loan concepts, and to help safeguard the clients from scams.
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Yes, we also provide delinquent reverse mortgage loan counseling free of charge as well.
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The loan proceeds could be used to payoff existing home loans to free up expenses, payoff debts, help with repairs and modifications on the home.
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Yes, the lender may require themselves to pay taxes and insurance. The homeowner could also elect for this option as well.
Online Counseling for Future Home Buyers
Our online counseling module is a convenient and confidential way to get started. You will be asked to enter information about yourself, which will assist us in better understanding how we may be able to help. After we assess the information you provide, a certified counselor will contact you in order to complete the credit counseling session — either by phone or in person.