HUD-Certified

Pre-Purchase

Nonprofit

Step into homeownership with confidence

Navigating the home buying process can feel overwhelming, especially when loan terms are complex or you're unsure what’s affordable. That’s why we offer certified Pre-Purchase and HOEPA counseling designed to protect you, prepare you, and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

HUD-certified counseling to help you make informed homebuying decisions.

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency

NFCC Member

501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Understand what you're signing

Understand what you're signing Protect what you're building

What is HOEPA?

If you're exploring home financing options, Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act (HOEPA) is designed to protect you from unfair lending practices on high-cost loans. HOEPA, part of the Truth in Lending Act, protects homeowners from predatory lending on high-cost mortgages by enforcing strict rules and transparency. Our certified counselors will walk you through:

The exact terms and risks in your loan offer.

Safer financing alternatives, when available.

Your rights under federal lending protections.

What to expect at closing, and how to protect yourself.

We deliver the facts with zero pressure, so you can make a confident, informed decision.

What is Pre-Purchase Counseling?

If you're ready to sign your mortgage loan, now is the perfect time to complete Pre-Purchase Counseling. This HUD-approved session helps you understand the full financial commitment of homeownership, beyond just the mortgage terms, so you can close with clarity and long-term confidence. Our certified counselors will provide you with:

A clear understanding of your mortgage loan terms.

A breakdown of total monthly housing costs (PITI, HOA fees, etc.).

A review of your financial obligations.

Guidance on building a sustainable homeownership budget.

Tips to avoid foreclosure, maintain good credit, and build equity.

Get clear, accurate guidance to know what's fair and protect your future home

You shouldn't have to worry about being taken advantage of or of missing critical disclosures. We help you recognize the warning signs of predatory lending, understand your legal protections, and avoid unnecessary risk. This is more than checking a box, it's making sure your loan and your lender are working in your best interest.
Your journey

Your path to homeownership

Five clear steps from preparation to closing — guided by HUD-certified counselor every step of the way.
  • Step 01

    Start With a Counseling Session to Understand Your Loan

    Speak with a HUD-certified housing counselor to meet lender requirements, understand your mortgage terms, and avoid high-cost lending pitfalls before you sign.
  • Step 02

    Review Your Loan Terms, Budget, and Rights as a Home Loan Borrower

    We'll help you break down your loan terms, interest rate, taxes, and monthly payments to ensure you fully understand your obligations and options before committing.
  • Step 03

    Understand the Risks of High-Cost Loans and Prepare for Homeownership

    Learn how HOEPA protects you, what to avoid, and how to strengthen your budget and credit so you can move forward with confidence and long-term financial stability.
  • Step 04

    Get a Certificate of Completion and Resources for Long-Term Success

    You'll receive your official certificate and helpful homebuyer tools, so you stay informed, educated, and ready for successful homeownership beyond the loan closing.
  • Become a Confident Homeowner, Contact Us!

    Just clear education to help you make an informed decision.

100% Free

No Obligation

No Pressure

Why counseling matters

Benefits of Pre-Purchase Counseling

Working with a certified housing counselorensures you understand every aspect of the home buying process before you commit.

First-Time Buyer Friendly

No prior home buying experience needed. Our counselors explain everything in plain language so you feel confident and prepared.

HOEPA Compliance

If your loan falls under HOEPA regulations, our counseling fulfills the mandatory education requirement and protects your consumer rights.

Document Review Support

Your counselor reviews your loan estimate, closing disclosure, and key documents with you — helping you spot issues before you sign.

Budget & Affordability Planning

Get a realistic picture of what you can afford including taxes, insurance, and maintenance — not just the mortgage payment.

Down Payment Assistance Guidance

Learn about grants, low-interest loans, and programs that can help with your down payment and closing costs.

Long-Term Success Planning

We help you think beyond closing day — building a sustainable homeownership plan that protects your investment for years to come.
Tools & resources

Free resources & tools

Download these trusted resources to better understand HOEPA loan requirements, stay compliant, and take the next step toward confident, mortgage-ready homeownership.

HOEPA Lender Reference Guide

A comprehensive guide for lenders and borrowers to understand HOEPA requirements and compliance standards.
Download

Borrower Checklist

A step-by-step checklist to ensure you have everything needed for your HOEPA counseling session and loan closing.
Download

CFPB Compliance Guide

The official Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guide to understanding HOEPA rules and your rights as a borrower.
Download

Mortgage Readiness Calculator

Estimate how much home you can afford based on your income, debts, and down payment before you start house hunting.
Download
Need More Guidance?

Speak with a certified housing counselor.

Financial tools

Explore reverse mortgage estimates with guidance

Use our educational calculator to better understand how home value, available equity, interest rates, and loan costs may affect a reverse mortgage estimate. These numbers are examples only and should be reviewed with a certified housing counselor.

  • Smart Retirement Planning

    See how a reverse mortgage could impact your long-term financial security and provide extra cash flow when you need it most.
  • Clear Financial Insights

    Understand how much equity you can access and how it could supplement your retirement income.
  • Personalized Loan Estimates

    Get a tailored breakdown of potential loan amounts, interest rates, and repayment scenarios based on your home's value.
Explore Educational Calculator

Always Free

No Obligation

Confidential

For Educational Guidance

  • Estimated Home Value

    Based on market data
$425,000
Sample estimate - actual values vary

Estimated Available Equity

~$210,000

Estimated Monthly Payment Option

~$1,050

Interest Rate Range

6.5% - 7.2%
These are sample estimates for illustration only. Speak with a certified counselor for accurate figures based on your situation.
Want personalized guidance?

Speak with a certified housing counselor to review your situation, questions, and next steps.

Common questions

Pre-Purchase and HOEPA Counseling FAQs

Answers to the most common questions about reverse mortgage default and prevention.
How do I know if my loan is a HOEPA loan?

A loan may be considered a HOEPA (high-cost) loan if its interest rate or fees exceed federal limits. Your lender is required to notify you if your loan is subject to HOEPA and may require you to complete counseling before closing. If you're unsure, review your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure or ask your lender or housing counselor for assistance.

Why is counseling required for HOEPA loans?

We'll review your loan terms with you. If it meets HOEPA's high-cost triggers, counseling is required. You'll get clarity before you move forward.

How long does a counseling session take?

Most pre-purchase and HOEPA counseling sessions take about 60 to 90 minutes. The exact length depends on the complexity of your loan and how many questions you have. Your counselor will move at your pace and make sure every concern is addressed before wrapping up.

Is pre-purchase counseling only for people ready to buy now?

Not at all. Many people use this session to prepare for the future. We'll help you create a plan so you're mortgage-ready when the time is right.

What documents should I bring to my counseling session?

Bring your Loan Estimate, Closing Disclosure, pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and any correspondence from your lender. If you don't have everything, don't worry — your counselor will guide you on what's still needed and help you gather it.

What if I'm not ready to buy after my session?

That's okay. You'll leave with personalized steps, credit guidance, and budgeting tools to help you prepare confidently for homeownership when you're ready.

Ready to take the first step?

Our counselors are here to help you prepare for homeownership.
Take the next step

Protect your home.
Get expert help today.

Speak with a HUD-certified housing counselor for personalized default prevention guidance. No judgment, no lender pressure — just clear, honest answers from a nonprofit you can trust.

Private & confidential

Educational guidance

HUD-approved agency

No lender sales pressure

50,000+
People helped yearly
Trusted guidance from certified housing counselors
50+
Years of experience
Helping homeowners make confident, informed decisions
4.9/5
Client satisfaction
Based on thousands of counseling sessions