Homeownership education

Upcoming Events!

First Time Homebuyer Seminar

In-Person Event

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2024

9:00AM - 3:00 PM CST

Event Location - 345 Congress Parkway, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

RESERVE A SPOT

 

More Information About Our Housing and Counseling Program

Deciding to buy or rent a home can be one of the most important decisions we make throughout our lives. There are countless factors to consider, including the monthly cost or payment, insurance, maintenance and upkeep, property taxes, and more. 

Making the right decision can mean smooth sailing and long-term financial success. But getting into a less optimal situation can cause stress and challenges. The good news is that we’re here to help with our free housing counseling.

Our counseling services are convenient, confidential, and free for our members. Our certified professional counselors are endorsed by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC).

Let us relieve your stress by guiding you through the home buying, owning, or rental process. Schedule a free appointment and complete the confidential counseling intake form to help us get started.

Schedule a Consultation

Home Buying Assistance

Many first-time homebuyers miss out on special programs designed to help more people buy homes. Our counselors help with accessing these special programs and more.

Some common ways we help homebuyers include:

  • Determining maximum sustainable mortgage payment
  • Assisting with loan product and feature comparison
  • Explaining required disclosures and closing costs
  • Providing tools to select a real estate agent, real estate attorney, and home inspector
  • Explaining fair housing, fair lending, and predatory lending
  • Referrals to local, state, and federal down payment assistance programs

Home Owner Assistance

Having trouble making payments on your home? If so, you’re not alone. Our changing economy can lead to uncertainty and unexpected challenges. This has been especially true during the pandemic. 

One of our counselors can meet with you and review your options to keep or sell your home. They can also help you access any available programs to support borrowers in challenging times or advocate on your behalf with your lender.

Some common ways we help homeowners include:

  • Access to resources and support
  • Help with evaluating options.
  • Action plan for keeping or selling the home 
  • Advice for working with mortgage lenders

Rental Assistance

Renting a home can bring on a different set of challenges, and we’re here to help with them too. Whether it’s navigating the rental market, connecting with assistance programs, or evaluating how a particular monthly rent payment would work in your budget, we’re here to help. 

Some common ways we support renters include: 

  • Referrals to tenant networks and legal aid
  • Rent vs. buy analysis
  • Referrals to rental assistance programs

Start by scheduling a consultation today.

Schedule a Consultation

Not Sure If It’s Credit Counseling You Want?

As a GLCU member, you’re never alone when it comes to finding financial support and advice. No matter your situation, we can help.

See Our Other Counseling Services