As of March 31, 2022, Suncoast Housing Connections will ONLY be providing Pre-Purchase Counseling for residents of Pasco County as well as the residents of the City of Clearwater and City of Largo.
If you are a resident of Pinellas County, outside of Clearwater and Largo, please contact the Pinellas County Community Development Dept. for guidance on who to contact for these services at 727-464-8210 or http://www.pinellascounty.org/forms/dev_comm.htm
LET’S TALK GOALS
If you are ready to buy a house, but not sure what steps to take, book an appointment to meet with a Housing Counselor to determine your next steps. During the counseling session, an assessment of your mortgage readiness status is made. This assessment involves reviewing bank statements, tax returns, current income and credit report. A work plan is developed, and tasks will be assigned to get you ready to purchase your home. Together, we will discuss budgeting, debt recommendation, and credit rebuilding tools. Once you are ready, you will be scheduled to attend a homebuyer education class, and we will discuss down payment assistance programs. If together we determine you are not yet ready to purchase a home, you will be scheduled for a follow up appointment with your Housing Counselor and will continue working with them until you both agree you are ready to begin the active process of purchasing a home.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
All of our counseling services are FREE. The only cost involved for pre-purchase counseling is $25.20 per person, to obtain a merged credit report from the three major bureaus. The great thing is that when we look at your credit report, it is considered a “Soft Pull”, which means it will not affect your credit score
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Together with a Housing 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 such as employment stability, income, current debt ratio and credit. These issues will be discussed in detail and solutions will be outlined. A Housing Counselor will also determine your eligibility for downpayment assistance programs.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Each individual situation is unique, which is why we suggest to get started as soon as possible. Once you meet with a Housing Counselor they can help you move through the process and address any problems that may arise.
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, Suncoast Housing Connections can put you on the right track to success!