FAQs
Yes.
No, NHSSF is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit neighborhood revitalization organization.
Established in 1978, NHSSF is a private 501(c)(3) 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.
NHSSF receives support through contributions from individual and corporate donors, our partnership with NeighborWorks® America, and from our various lines of business such as Homeownership Realty, Housing Development and Lending.
There are many ways to help. NHSSF has volunteer events throughout the year and welcomes organizations, schools, churches and the community 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.
NHSSF is a chartered member of the NeighborWorks® Network, a national partnership of more than 230 community development organizations chartered by Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation.
Yes, and we can also show you how to request your $25,000 Homestead Exemption.
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.
Yes, Miami Dade and Broward Counties have programs to help homebuyers with down payment assistance. You must also meet eligibility requirements.
Yes. An NHSSF HUD-approved Counselor, as part of your individual counseling session, can help design a budget that will help you save for your down payment. NHSSF also offers Financial Fitness Classes that cover money management and credit issue strategies.
Yes. NHSSF can review your credit and, when applicable, refer you to agencies accredited in dealing with credit repair.
Yes. All lenders have different time allowances. Attend an individual counseling session with one of NHSSF’s Homeownership Counselors for specific guidelines.
Credit scores help determine your credit worthiness at a specific time. Presently lenders are asking for a middle score of 620 to 640. At your individual counseling session you will be shown your credit report and credit scores.
Yes. NHSSF offers the 8-hour Homebuyer Education Class in both Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. The classes are offered in English and Spanish. These classes are currently FREE.
NHSSF also offers an online option available through this website at a cost of $99. The class can be taken at home spread out over several days. A Certificate from NHSSF is issued after the homebuyer makes an appointment with an NHSSF Counselor for a one-on-one counseling session.
NHSSF offers one class a month in both English and Spanish on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. You will need to call and register in advance, since seating is limited. See our Upcoming Events to find scheduled classes.
Online and in Miami Dade County, NHSSF offers workshops at our Main Office located at 300 NW 12 Avenue, Miami 33128. In Broward County the workshops are offered at the NHSSF office located at 2880 West Oakland Park Blvd. Suite 115 Ft Lauderdale, 33311.
Yes. NHSSF will help prepare you to be mortgage ready. You will select from among several lenders approved by Miami-Dade County to participate in the homebuyer subsidy loan program.
No, all incomes levels can benefit from NHSSF’s free services. At your individual counseling session our Homeownership Counselors will evaluate your present monthly income and will recommend a strategy to follow.
Yes. See our Upcoming Events to find scheduled classes.
No. Everyone can benefit from the 8-hour workshop. However, all first-time homebuyer programs require a workshop completion certificate.
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 an individual free counseling session with an NHSSF Homeownership Counselor or NHSSF Lending.
Yes.
Yes.
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.
Yes. NHSSF is a HUD approved counseling agency. We offer Financial Fitness classes that you can attend in order to earn this certificate. Contact our office to register for our next class.