Washington Homeownership Center

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:
Pierce County

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 terminology. A certificate upon completion of the seminars 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

Consumer Counseling Northwest is a HUD approved housing counseling agency that provides homebuyer education workshops, pre-purchase counseling, default-delinquency counseling, and reverse mortgage counseling. For more information call 253.588.1858.

Martin Luther King Housing Development Association participants complete a Commission sponsored seminar and can work one-on-one with a counselor. Participants can also develop a long-term strategy to become a homeowner with the Moneyworks Program. This program is required for individuals who wish to purchase one of their homes or participate in their lease-to-own program. For more information call 253.627.1099.

Tacoma Home Ownership Center is a non-profit home developer which also offers homebuyer education seminars to answer questions about credit reports, family budgeting, mortgage lender requirements, home repair and maintenance. Counselors are available to help you qualify for a mortgage with a local bank. This program is required for individuals who wish to purchase a Hilltop Home. For more information, contact Tina at 253.627.6560.

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 for 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 to learn more and steps for avoiding predatory lending.

Local Resources:

Information, Referral and Education about Predatory Lending
• Washington Homeownership Center
206.587.5641
877.894.4663 (toll-free in Washington State)

The following organization advocates for fair housing, provides training and education/outreach:

• Fair Housing Center of Washington

1517 S. Fawcett, Suite 250

888.766.8800 toll-free

Email: info@fhcwashington.org

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:
The following agency can help you with developing a budget, defining financial goals, tracking your expenses, and rebuilding your credit:
Consumer Counseling Northwest
800.244.1183