Housing Counseling FAQs

We’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions about our Housing Counseling services. These answers should help you navigate the homebuying, homeowning, and homeprotecting stages of life. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any further questions. Thank you so much!

    • I’m considering buying a home. How can you help?

      First-time homebuyer counseling is offered to anyone interested in purchasing their first home. This counseling is geared toward individuals or families who want to buy their first home and may or may not face barriers to successful homeownership. Some of these barriers can include poor or no credit, lack of savings, unstable income, or previous unsatisfactory homeownership. Our counselors will walk clients through their household budget, pull their credit report, discuss affordability based on their income and debts, and provide guidance on the many first-time homebuyer programs available in Pennsylvania.

    • My lender referred me for homebuyer counseling before closing on my loan. What does this mean?

      Certain mortgage products may require homebuyers to attend one-on-one pre-closing counseling. This counseling is free and provided virtually to potential homeowners. During the session, our counselors will review income and expenses, provide action steps toward successful homeownership, and educate you on the closing process. After this one-time session, an official certificate will be issued to confirm that you have successfully completed the program.

    • I’m behind on my mortgage, and I don’t know what to do. Can you help?

      When you’re behind on your mortgage, it can feel overwhelming. Here are some steps you can take: Read all correspondence from your lender and maintain regular contact with them. Contact a housing counselor to discuss your situation. If you’ve received an Act 91 notice directing you to apply for Pennsylvania’s Homeowner Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP), call our office immediately at 1-866-699-2227. This is time-sensitive material, and our team is ready to guide you through the next steps. If you know you have an FHA mortgage, you will not receive an Act 91 notice; however, FHA lenders do offer other programs to assist you. Most importantly, do not fall into the trap of paying anyone to help resolve your financial problems. You should never pay a third party to negotiate repayment with your lender.

    • What are the fees for your housing counseling services?

      As a network agency with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, we never charge a fee for any housing counseling services. As a non-profit organization, our mission is to help individuals and families achieve successful homeownership and housing stability without charging fees for our housing counseling services.

    • What are the qualifications of your housing counselors?

      All of AdvantageCCS’s housing counselors are certified by HUD and complete continuing education courses annually through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, NeighborWorks America, and HUD. Our counselors are also certified through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

    • Can I apply online for your housing services?

      Yes, you can apply online for housing services through Advantage Credit Counseling Service. You have two options:

      1. To discuss your housing needs:
        Visit our website’s “Contact Us” page and provide some basic information, or call us directly at 1-866-699-2227 and let us know you’re interested in housing counseling.

      2. To create a profile and submit information online:
        Go to the Homeowner Connect portal, where you can set up a personal profile and send your information directly to our housing counseling department.

    • I get offers in the mail all the time from companies that can refinance my loan at a better rate. What should I do?

      If you’re receiving frequent mail offers about refinancing or home equity loans, be extremely cautious, especially if you didn’t reach out to these companies first. Here’s what you should know:

      • These offers often come because your information was sold to marketing lists.
      • Be wary of unsolicited offers, particularly those that request personal information over the phone.
      • Never provide sensitive information (like your Social Security number or bank account details) unless you’ve verified the company’s legitimacy.

       

      To stop receiving these types of offers, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends opting out:

       

    • Who is eligible for housing counseling services?

      Anyone seeking assistance with buying a home, avoiding foreclosure, managing debt, thinking about a reverse mortgage, or improving their financial situation is eligible for housing counseling. Our services are available to homeowners, renters, and prospective homebuyers, regardless of income level. Most of our housing counseling services are for Pennsylvania residents only because laws, rules, and regulations differ from state to state. If we’re not able to help you because you’re not a PA resident, you can still reach out to us, and we’ll do our best to connect you with a housing counseling agency in your state.

    • Will housing counseling affect my credit score?

      No, participating in housing counseling will not impact your credit score. Our counselors may provide advice on how to improve your credit, but the counseling itself is not reported to the credit bureaus.

    • What happens during a housing counseling session?

      During your session, a certified housing counselor will assess your financial situation, discuss your housing goals, and provide guidance on how to move forward. This may include creating a budget, understanding your credit report, or exploring different mortgage options. Counseling sessions can be done in person, over the phone, or virtually.

    • Do you offer assistance for first-time homebuyers?

      Yes, we provide comprehensive assistance for first-time homebuyers, including one-on-one counseling, workshops, and information about homebuyer assistance programs. We can guide you through each step of the homebuying process, from understanding your financing options to finalizing the purchase.

    • Can I receive housing counseling if I’m already behind on my mortgage or facing foreclosure?

      Yes, absolutely. Our foreclosure prevention counselors are experts in helping homeowners who are behind on payments or facing foreclosure. We’ll work with you to explore options such as loan modifications, payment plans, and other strategies to keep you in your home.

    • How long does a counseling session take?

      The length of counseling sessions varies depending on the complexity of your situation. Typically, a session can last 2 hours, but ongoing support may be needed. If you are working toward specific goals (such as buying a home or preventing foreclosure), additional sessions may be required, and this would be discussed during your session.

    • What do I need to have for a housing counseling session?

      Since all of our counseling is offered virtually, we ask that certain documents be sent in advance prior to scheduling your appointment. After your initial call, our Housing Coordinator will send you an email specific to your housing counseling needs. Generally, we require verification of income, bank statements, and a Photo ID. Additional documents will be required depending on your situation, whether it be homeownership or saving your home from foreclosure.

    • Is there a waiting list for housing counseling services?

      We strive to provide timely assistance to all our clients. While wait times can vary depending on demand, we make every effort to schedule your housing counseling session as soon as possible. If you need urgent assistance, please let us know by calling 1-866-699-2227, and we will prioritize your request.

      What are your business hours?

      Our business hours are as follows:

      Monday-Thursday: 8:00am to 8:00pm (EST)
      Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm (EST)
      Saturday: Closed
      Sunday: Closed

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