Resources for Region 1

Click below on the Step to Homeownership where you are right now and need information about.

Click here for a short description of the Steps to Homeownership>

Local Homeownership Resources for:
Olympic Peninsula: Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, and Thurston Counties

1. Education

Become Educated About the Home Buying Process

The Washington Homeownership Center strongly recommends that all potential homebuyers attend a First-Time Homebuyer Education Seminar, sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. These seminars provide an overview of the home buying process, allowing you to be more educated as you begin on your path towards homeownership. Many of the down payment assistance programs require all homebuyers who are applying for a loan complete a First-Time Homebuyer Education Seminar.

Local Resources:

Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) sponsors free 5-hour seminars that are taught by industry professionals (lenders, non-profits, real estate agents) in an unbiased, non-sales oriented format. These seminars give an excellent overview of the various steps involved in purchasing a home and help the participant become familiar with the industry’s jargon. A certificate is given upon completion of the class and is valid for 2 years. This certificate is required to qualify for several first-time homebuyer loan programs. A current schedule of classes can be found by clicking here or visit www.wshfc.org

Aberdeen Neighborhood Housing Services (ANHS) offers free counseling in mortgage default, pre-purchase analysis, Landlord Tenant Act, pre-foreclosure sale, pre-rental, refinancing, budget, and monetary management, and reverse equity mortgages. These programs are beneficial to homeowners, homebuyers, landlords, and tenants for learning their rights and responsibilities under the law.

For additional information, call: (360) 533-7828
or visit www.aberdeen-nhs.com

Consumer Counseling Northwest is a HUD-approved non-profit housing counseling agency that provides homebuyer education workshops, pre-purchase, default-delinquency, and reverse mortgage counseling. They are dedicated to helping individuals become self-sufficient in financial needs.

For more information call (800) 244-1183

Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority (KCCHA) is a housing counseling agency that provides one-on –one pre-purchase and mortgage default counseling. They also offer financial skills workshops and a self-help housing program. They provide First-Time Homebuyer Education Classes sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC). Upon completion of these classes, you will receive a certificate that is one of the required qualifications for various loan and down payment assistance programs.

For more information, call: (360) 535-6100 or (800) 693-7070 or visit www.kccha.com

West Sound Fleet and Family Support Center
West Sound provides Home Buying and Financing classes free of charge to military ID card holders. Topics include VA, FHA, and Conventional loans as well as how to locate your ideal home.
For additional information call West Sound Housing, (360) 476-5113

The Federal Fair Housing Act
Being educated on the Fair Housing Act will help to prevent discrimination in the home buying process.
Click here to learn more about who is protected under the Fair Housing Act and about statewide resources.

Predatory Lending
Predatory lending takes advantage of borrowers by charging higher fees and hidden costs. Every borrower is at risk, however the risk increase for people of color, the elderly and those with less than perfect credit.

Click here to learn more as well as steps you can take to avoid predatory lending.

Local Resources:

Information, Referral and Education about Predatory Lending
• Washington Homeownership Center
(866) 600-6466

To File a Complaint Against a Lending Institution
• Washington State Department of Financial Institutions
(800) 372-8303
www.dfi.wa.gov

Free Legal Advice
If you are low income and need legal advice contact:
• CLEAR:
(888) 201-1014
(888) 387-7111 (Age 60 or over)
www.nwjustice.org


2. Credit History

Learning About Credit

Credit is one of the most important components when applying for a mortgage. The more you understand your credit, the more likely you are to receive a mortgage that fits your situation.

Click here to understand the importance of credit in the home buying process and steps to improve your credit.

Local Non-profit agencies that can assist with credit counseling:

Consumer Counseling Northwest (800) 244-1183
This nonprofit agency can help you with developing a budget, defining financial goals, tracking your expenses, and rebuilding your credit:


3. Coming Soon