HOUSING COUNSELING SERVICES
Tampa Bay CDC provides
pre-purchase homeownership counseling, education, guidance and support on an individual basis to Tampa Bay residents with the goal of owning their own home. The emphasis is on one-on-one counseling with the client's resources and problems the prime consideration in the development of an "action plan" to correct problems. Counseling includes credit and debt resolution, as well as budgeting and purchase assistance.
Upon successfully concluding implementation of a "financial plan" and purchasing a home, Tampa Bay CDC provides
post-purchase homeownership counseling. The goal of this program is the preservation of the home. Our housing counseling services provide advice, assistance and financial counseling for any financial problem that threatens ownership of the home will always be available upon request.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
- Click here to apply online. Before transmitting the online application, please review Tampa Bay CDC’s Privacy Policy. If you are uncomfortable about transmitting this information via a secure server, please feel free to send your application via the US Postal Service to the address listed below.
- Click here to print out an application from the Forms and Brochures Page
- Call the Tampa Bay CDC office at (727) 446-6222. You can request an application be mailed to you. When you have completed the application, mail it to:
Tampa Bay CDC
2139 N.E. Coachman Road, Suite 1
Clearwater, FL 33765
You can also fax the application to (727) 446-8727.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
All of our counseling services are
FREE. The only cost involved is
$15 per person to obtain a merged credit report from the three major bureaus.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Together with a Counselor, you will complete a review of your current financial situation and develop a personalized homeownership plan. Your plan will address the key issues pertinent to qualifying for a mortgage: employment stability, income, current debt ratio and credit. These issues will be discussed in detail and solutions will be outlined. A Counselor will also determine your eligibility for Downpayment Assistance Programs.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
How long it takes will depend on the extent of your problems, your resources for resolving the problems and your motivation. For many members, it takes a few months; for others, two years or more. Time isn't important, but getting started is.
Tampa Bay CDC will continue to work with you as you work towards your goal of homeownership. We will contact you to provide support and encouragement, and you will receive a quarterly newsletter full of helpful tips intended to inform, educate and motivate you.
THE TIME TO START IS NOW!
One thing is certain, "the only people who can't finish are those who never start!" The dream of your own home doesn't have to be just a dream. If you're willing to learn, plan and work toward your goal, Tampa Bay CDC can put you on the right track to success!
