HOC provides services across the state of Arizona with specific programs down payment assistance programs in Maricopa County as well as foreclosure prevention services. Services provided include:
Information and Referrals
HOC provides affordable housing information and referrals to the inquiring general public using a housing resource list that HOC updates and distributes bi-annually. Click here for a comprehensive HOC housing resource list. The list is also available at the HOC office and provided in all education classes.
Potential Homebuyer Orientation
For households interested in purchasing their first home, HOC conducts a 1.5-hour introductory class that helps households determine if they are ready to take the next steps necessary to achieve homeownership. Certified staff covers topics such as income and job stability, savings, the importance of good credit, how debt affects buying power, and borrower’s rights. Participants also receive information on how to dispute incorrect credit information. In addition, HOC provides special quarterly classes for Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), Section-8, and Save the Family households tailored to meet their needs.
Pre-Purchase Homebuyer Education
HOC provides HUD/FHA approved homebuyer education in all service areas. This 8-hour interactive group course helps families prepare for the purchase of a home. Monthly classes are conducted in English and Spanish. These are scheduled at the HOC Education Center and in other community locations across Arizona. Topics include the importance of good credit, understanding homeownership, household financial management, mortgage readiness and qualification, choosing a realtor, shopping for a home, the loan application process, the closing process, the responsibilities of homeownership including home maintenance, and predatory lending. Guest speakers and community volunteers participate by speaking in more detail on these topics as well as on insurance and home inspections, among others. The cost of the class is $50 per person or $75/household (2 persons).
Pre-Purchase Housing Counseling
HOC certified, bilingual housing counselors provide one-on-one counseling to help families become educated consumers who can determine whether and when homeownership is right for them. HOC seeks to assist households in addressing financial and other barriers to homeownership, such as credit, saving, budgeting, employment, and establishing alternative forms of credit. Counselors remain allies, partners, and advocates of households throughout the entire process of purchasing a home, from qualifying for a mortgage, choosing a realtor, finding a home, and closing escrow. All counselors are nationally trained and certified by NeighborWorks © America or National Council of La Raza Homeownership Network. HOC is a proud adopter of the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling.
DISCLOSURE: The client pays for the cost of the credit report in the amount of $14.25 for an individual and $28.50 for a joint report. This is a "soft" pull as HOC is a housing counseling agency and is not providing any credit to the applicant.
Housing Acquisition and Rehabilitation
HOC acquires and rehabilitates existing single-family properties and resells the homes to eligible first-time homebuyers. Given the windfall of foreclosed, vacant properties, HOC prioritizes the affordable acquisition and quality, energy-efficient rehabilitation of foreclosed and REO single-family residential properties. HOC uses licensed, bonded contractors. All houses must meet HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) as well as local building and maintenance codes prior to sale to a qualified buyer. All properties acquired and rehabilitated by HOC will be covered by a one-year home warranty to account for any repairs during the first year of homeownership. This may vary depending on program and funding.
Homebuyer Financial Assistance
HOC provides eligible buyers with gap, down-payment, and/or closing costs financial assistance of up to $25,000 in the form of a non-forgivable, zero-interest, zero-payment, second mortgage. Terms and conditions may vary based on program and household eligibility. Homebuyer financial assistance is supported by WISH/IDA, HOME, CDBG, and NSP
Post-Purchase Homeowner Education
Within 6 months of close of escrow, homeowners are requested to attend 6 post-purchase classes, offered monthly on a variety of topics. Classes are offered on a variety of topics designed to improve the skills of new homeowners. Topics include post-purchase budgeting, credit card offers/scams, post-purchase predatory lending, saving for home maintenance and emergencies, avoiding late payments, home improvement and maintenance tips and/or demonstrations, living wills and trusts, filing taxes as a homeowner, and auto loans. These classes are held on site at HOC and/or off site at Home Depot or Lowes.
Post-Purchase Homeowner Counseling / Foreclosure Prevention
HOC certified, bilingual housing counselors provide homeowners with post-purchase counseling in areas such as default/foreclosure prevention, budgeting, and other various challenges that may arise as a result of homeownership. HOC also provides foreclosure prevention counseling and education to those facing foreclosure. For those interested in Foreclosure Prevention counseling, please contact HOC directly for options. In addition, please visit the Arizona Department of Housing website for more options. Over 99.8% of HOC assisted households maintain affordable homeownership and do not result in foreclosure.
Technical Assistance
Upon request, HOC can contract for services to other nonprofit agencies to provide technical assistance in areas such as administrative systems, resource development, grant administration, client data tracking, program development, and advocacy.
Outreach
HOC conducts outreach in the community by participating at school, faith-based, and neighborhood events where eligible households are likely to attend. HOC conducts group presentations in conjunction with other community organizations such as Headstart, Family Self Sufficiency (FSS), Save The Family, and Section 8 HOUSE, among others. Information and referral services are available to the public regarding affordable housing options.