Washington Homeownership Center

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

Consumer Counseling Northwest (Longview, Vancouver, Lewis County, Pacific County)
CCCS is a non-profit credit 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 additional information contact 360.425.4520 for Longview, 360.694.7564 for Vancouver, 800.244.1183 for Lewis County, and 800.244.1183 for Pacific County.

Family Finance Resource Center
Family Finance Resource Center performs all aspects of the homeownership process including counseling and classes. They are able to assist potential homebuyers with debt and credit issues find solutions.
From more information call 360.423.9197

Home Ownership Center
HOC is a non-profit agency that serves Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Klickitat, Pacific, Wahkiakum, and Skamania Counties. HOC provides one-on-one pre-purchase counseling covering credit and debt counseling, the loan process, down payment assistance, and other components of homeownership. They also provide mortgage default and reverse mortgage counseling. HOC teaches the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) sponsored First-Time Homebuyer Education classes to the public (as mentioned above). Orientation classes are also provided as an introduction to aspects of home buying for an individual to determine if it is something they want to pursue further. These classes are shorter and offer condensed information from the First-Time Homebuyer Education seminars. HOC offers their own homebuyer education program with more focused curriculum such as budgeting, and post-purchase education sessions.
For additional information contact at 360.690.4496 or 877.690.4496

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 to learn more and steps for avoiding predatory lending.

Local Resources:

Information, Referral and Education about Predatory Lending
•Washington Homeownership Center
206.587.5641
866-600-6466 (toll-free in Washington State)