FORECLOSURE QUESTIONS:
I have already paid for a third party representative, can you still help me? Yes. However, it is not beneficial to have more than one third-party (e.g. attorney, non-profit agency, loan modification company, etc) representing you because this will confuse the loan servicer and delay the process of getting assistance. Therefore, at the same time that you apply to NHSSF, you should end your relationships with the other third-parties.
Are you a HUD Certified agency? Yes.
Are you a participant of the Hardest Hit program? Yes. When Hardest Hit funds become available (which pay past due as well as future mortgage payments), they will be dispersed on a first-come first-serve basis to those who qualify. So, the sooner you complete your application with NHSSF, the better your chances are of receiving help under the Hardest Hit Program.
Are you a participant of the Raise the Roof program? Yes.
Can you let me know if I qualify for the Making Home Affordable Program (Obama plan)? Yes. Once we have collected the necessary documents and information from you, we will be able to determine if your mortgage pre-qualifies for the Making Home Affordable Program.
I just received a notice that my house is in foreclosure. Can you help me? Yes. As long as your home has not been sold in a foreclosure auction, it is possible to work with your mortgage servicer to save it. But time is of the essence. Generally, the sooner you start the process with your servicer, the greater your chances are of saving your home.
Are your services free? Yes, with the exception of a small fee to pull your credit report.
Can you help me lower my monthly payment? Yes. However, we cannot guarantee that your payment will be lowered because that depends on a variety of factors, some of which are out of your and NHSSF’s control. However, we will work with you and your mortgage servicer to do all we can to make your monthly mortgage payment affordable. Also, please note that you should be cautious of anyone who guarantees that they can lower your monthly payment
Can you help me even if I am already working with my lender? Yes. We can come alongside you and provide counsel and support no matter what stage you are in in the process of working with your mortgage servicer.
Can you help me start the process? Yes. Your first step will be to contact our office to request an application form or to register for a foreclosure prevention clinic.
Can you help me if I am in bankruptcy? Yes, if your mortgage loan is not included in the bankruptcy. Also, it may be required that your bankruptcy attorney provide a consent letter to your mortgage servicer to allow the loan to be reviewed for assistance. This will open the door for NHSSF to help you.
My lender said I need to get a financial counseling certificate from a HUD approved agency, can you help? Yes. NHSSF is a HUD approved agency and offers financial fitness classes that you can attend in order to earn this certificate. Contact our office to register for our next class.
HOME BUYER EDUCATION QUESTIONS:
Are there “new home” tax credits still available and can you help me get it? Yes, and we can also show you how to request and receive them.
Can you help me with my closing costs? Yes, Miami Dade and Broward Counties have programs to help homebuyers with closing costs. You must meet eligibility requirements and funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can NHSSF help me find grants and other funds to help me buy a house? Yes, Miami Dade and Broward Counties have programs to help homebuyers with down payment assistance. You must also meet eligibility requirements.
Can you tell me how much money I need to buy a house and how I can save? Yes. NHSSF, as part of the individual FREE counseling session, can help design a budget that will help you save for your down payment. NHSSF also offers financial fitness courses, that cover money management as well as addressing credit issues strategies.
I have credit issues, can you help me? Yes, NHSSF can help you address credit issues such as collections, charge offs and dispute inaccurate or obsolete debts with debtors and credit reporting agencies.
I lost my house to foreclosure; can I still buy another one? Yes. There are lending programs that allow foreclosures. All lenders have different time allowances. Attend an individual FREE counseling session with one of NHSSF’s Homeownership Counselors for specific guidelines.
What is a credit score and can you help me get it? Credit scores help determine your credit worthiness at a specific time. Presently lenders are asking for a middle score of 620, and at your individual counseling session you will be discussing your credit report and credit scores.
Does NHSSF provide the HUD certified 8-hour homebuyer education class and how much does it cost? Yes, and its free! NHSSF offers these workshops in both Miami Dade and Broward Counties.
How often do you offer the classes and are they offered in Spanish? NHSSF offers one class a month in both English and Spanish on Saturdays from 8: 30 am thru 5:00 pm You need to call and register in advance, since seating is limited. Click the Education Schedule link to select language, and a convenient date.
Where are the classes offered? In Miami Dade County, NHSSF offers the workshops at either of our facilities; at 300 NW 12 Avenue, Miami 33128 and at United Way Church at 11500 NW 12 Avenue North Miami, 33168. In Broward County the workshops are offered at the NHSSF facilities at 2800 West Oakland Park Blvd. Ste 301 Ft Lauderdale , 33311.Workshops are offered in both Spanish and English.
Can you help me get a loan? Yes, NHSSF will prepare you to be mortgage ready and you will select from the programs offered by our collaborating lenders to apply for a mortgage loan.
Do I have to be a low to moderate income individual to participate in your services? No, all incomes levels can benefit from NHSSF’s free services. At your individual counseling session our Homeownership Counselors will evalutate your present monthly income and will recommend a strategy to follow.
Does NHSSF offer post-purchase classes? Yes. NHSSF offers post-purchase classes, as part of the education services. Click the Education Schedule link to select language, and a convenient date.
Do I need to bring anything when I come? Yes. When you schedule your individual FREE counseling session, NHSSF will provide a list of documents for your counseling session .
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to go to the 8-hour homebuyer education class? No. Everyone can benefit from the 8-hour workshop. However, all first-time homebuyer programs require a workshop completion certificate there a different programs will require that you take the 8 Hours Class.
I have a recent bankruptcy, can I still quality? It depends on the type of bankruptcy. Chapter 7 bankruptcies need to wait a period of 2 Years from the discharge date. Chapter 13 bankruptcies could qualify depending on specific lender guidelines. You will discuss your alternatives at the individual FREE counseling session with an NHSSF Homeownership Counselor.
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
Are you a HUD Certified agency? Yes, we are.
Are you a government agency? No, NHSSF is a private 501c3 non-profit neighborhood revitalization organization.
Who is Neighborhood Housing Service of South Florida (NHSSF)? Established in 1978, NHSSF is a private 501 non-profit neighborhood revitalization organization committed to helping homeowners and strengthening neighborhoods. We build empowered communities, revitalize neighborhoods and create affordable housing opportunities through our home buyer education, foreclosure prevention, housing development and lending services in South Florida.
How is NHSSF funded? NHSSF receives support through contributions from individual and corporate donors, NeighborWorks® America partner and from our various lines of business such as Homeownership Realty, Housing Development and Lending. We are most grateful for the generous contributions of our partners.
How can I support and get involved in NHSSF? There are many ways to help. NHSSF has volunteer events throughout the year and welcomes organizations, schools and churches to get involved. You also may make a tax-deductible contribution on-line. At NHSSF at least 75 cents of every dollar contributed goes directly to NHSSF’s programs.
What is NeighborWorks America? NHSSF is a chartered member of the NeighborWorks® Network, a national partnership of more than 230 community development organizations chartered by Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation.
