As a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency we offer the following Individual Advisement/Counseling:
Pre-Purchase
Steps to Buying a Home
STEP ONE: Attend a Homebuyer Orientation Seminar. (Register Here)
This 45 minute to one hour informational Orientation will give you an overview of the pros & cons of homeownership, the costs to expect when purchasing a home, the typical requirements to qualify for a mortgage, and information about available down payment assistance for First-Time Homebuyers. This is free of charge to any interested homebuyer; there is no household income, nor geographic restrictions.
STEP TWO: Schedule a personal appointment with one of TRIP’s Homeownership Advisors. Contact the HomeOwnership Center at (518) 272-8289 to schedule after attending a Homebuyer Orientation and having your credit pulled. *Credit Report Fee is currently $16.12 for one person or $32.24 for two. This is a soft pull tri-merge report with FICO scores.
You and your Homeownership Advisor will create a plan so that you can achieve your goal of homeownership on your terms. You will leave with an Action Plan, listing your personal steps to homeownership. .
STEP TWO & 1/2: If interested and meet the qualifications, apply for First Home Club matched savings program.
STEP THREE: Attend TRIP’s 6 Hour Certification Homebuyer Education class. Your Homeownership Advisor will instruct you to register for this class when you are mortgage ready (or close to it!).
In-person is preferred, but not always practical; speak with your counselor about eHome’s online Homebuyer’s Education Course
STEP FOUR: Meet with the lender of your choice & get pre-approved!
STEP FIVE: If eligible and you’d like to, apply for Down payment assistance. Check out our programs and others around the Capital Region HERE.
(You CANNOT be under contract prior to applying for our down payment assistant programs)
STEP SIX: Begin working with your Buyer’s Agent Realtor of your choice & start shopping for a home!
Program Contact: Caitlin Burns, Assistant Director