FREE services for homeowners and renters

The Cecil County Housing Agency has a HUD-certified housing counselor on staff (HUD = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). The housing counselor is specially trained to assist individuals and households with their financial matters. Guidance is provided in the areas of buying, preventing foreclosure and refinancing homes.

Contact the Housing Counselor today to make an appointment for the free services listed below:
Joyce VanZile
410-996-8216  |  Email Joyce

SERVICES OFFERED

MORTGAGE DEFAULT AND DELINQUENCY

Having trouble making your mortgage payments? Contact the Housing Counselor for assistance in retaining your home. The housing counselor will do a financial assessment to determine the reason for the mortgage delinquency, make recommendations to help stabilize the household, work with the mortgagor/homeowner to prepare loss mitigation applications including all supporting documentation and then submit the paperwork to the servicer. Click here to download and print the Foreclosure Counseling Intake Packet.

HOMEBUYER EDUCATION - INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING OR GROUP CLASSES

Thinking about buying a home? There is more to it than finding a home you like and determining if you can handle the monthly mortgage payment. The housing counselor can help you overcome barriers to homeownership, assist you in developing realistic housing goals, and show you how to access supports and resources to make homeownership a reality.

  >>Individual Pre-purchase Homeownership Counseling:

One-on-one counseling may include budget counseling, pre/post purchase counseling, credit review, credit card usage, bill payments, savings, equity, home inventory records, early intervention with creditors, and predatory lending. It will address the components of the process of homeownership that are relevant to your individual needs and circumstances. Ongoing support is provided by the housing counselor.

  >>First Time Homebuyer Classes:

Group classes for First Time Homebuyers will cover such topics as shopping for a home, the residential contract of sale, mortgages and settlements, home inspections, predatory lending, and fair housing. Down payment assistance and First Time-Homebuyer programs will be discussed. You can ask questions, get practical advice, and hear from experts! Click here to download and print the Homebuyer Education Intake Packet.

Classes are offered several times throughout the year at various locations. For dates and times please reference:

• the Cecil County’s calendar of events page
• the Cecil County Housing & Community Development Facebook page

One-on-one counseling sessions and attendance at a First Time Homebuyer class are both necessary for individuals needing a Homebuyer Certificate as required by some lenders and grant programs.

HOME EQUITY CONVERSION MORTGAGE COUNSELING (REVERSE MORTGAGE)

Considering a reverse mortgage? Not sure if it’s the best solution for your circumstances? The Housing Counselor can explain everything that is involved in applying for a reverse mortgage, calculate the financial gain, and discuss your options.

RENTAL COUNSELING & RENT DELINQUENCY

Having issues with your rental situation? The Housing Counselor is available to discuss the rental process and the rights of tenants. For more information, please see the State of Maryland Attorney General’s publication Landlords and Tenants.

BUDGET COUNSELING

Budget Counseling will equip you with the tools to evaluate and track your income and expenses. All of us need to manage our finances well in order to pay rent or mortgage, pay down debt whether it’s a car payment or credit cards, save money for emergencies, and put food on the table! Whether you rent or own your home, financial management is a key skill to master.

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