What are HUD Housing Counselors?
Get free advice on buying a home, renting, default, foreclosure avoidance, credit issues or reverse mortgages from HUD-approved housing counselors located across the nation.
Trained and certified by the government, HUD-approved housing counselors can help you assess your financial situation, evaluate options if you are having trouble paying your mortgage loan, and make a plan to get you help with your mortgage.
HUD stands for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD helps people get and maintain affordable housing. HUD trains and sponsors housing counselors all over the country. HUD-approved housing counselor have the expertise to help you understand and evaluate your options.
HUD-approved housing counselors provide free services such as:
- foreclosure prevention counseling,
- assistance to help you talk to your mortgage servicer and understand any options your servicer has offered, and
- information about the home buying process.
Find a HUD-approved housing counselor
Ways to find a HUD-approved housing counselor:
- Search GovOneStop.com or view services in your area via MyCity for a HUD-approved counseling agency in your area
- Call the HOPE Hotline at (888) 995-HOPE (4673)
- Call the CFPB at (855) 411-CFPB (2372) to be connected to a HUD-approved housing counselor over the phone
Prepare to talk to a housing counselor
Gather mortgage, banking and finance information for your housing counselor.
The counselor will ask for different types of information to understand your financial situation and how much you can afford for a monthly mortgage payment.
If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, the housing counselor will ask you for information about your mortgage loan, such as the amount you owe and the date of your last payment. This information is generally on your last mortgage loan statement.
The housing counselor may also ask for information about your pay stubs, tax returns, recent bank statements, and other bills you pay each month, such as car loans and credit cards.
If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage
A HUD-approved housing counselor cannot promise that you will get to keep your home. They will help you look at your options and make a decision that’s right for you.
If you are facing imminent foreclosure or have been served with legal papers, you may also need to consult an attorney.
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Housing
I am a victim of domestic violence in need of housing. Living with friends
Housing Assistance
For housing assistance, contact your state's Social Services agency. Ask the counselor what programs are available and how long it takes to apply and be placed.
If you need faster housing accommodations, ask the counselor about interim housing assistance or domestic violence shelters in your area. These services are often provided by community partner organizations (e.g. non-profits, faith-based organizations, etc.)
To find your state's Social Services agency on GovOneStop.com, you can Set Location in the header, select My City in the navigation, or set My Location in your user profile.
Then, enter terms like 'Social Services' or 'Housing Assistance' in the search bar.