Call (866) 271-0286 Client Login Hours of Operation GET DEBT HELP CREDIT CARD DEBT RELIEF UNDERSTANDING DEBT RESOURCES PARTNER WITH US Homebuyer Education InCharge Guide to Homeownership Housing Tips & Questions Hometrek Free Homebuyer Education Workshops and Online Courses Pre-Purchase Housing Counseling Foreclosure Prevention Counseling Your Debt Consolidation Alternative It's not a loan. Just a way out of debt. Start Online or call (866) 271-0286 Consolidate credit bills into one easy monthly payment Pay off your debt faster Lower your interest rates regardless of credit score Stop collection calls Eliminate late fees and over-limit charges > Housing > What Is HUD-Approved Housing Counseling? What Is HUD-Approved Housing Counseling? Some consumer agencies are approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program to provide housing counseling. But what does that mean to you? Here’s an overview of what HUD-Approved Housing Counseling means – and why it’s such an important distinction. Q. What is a “HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency”? A. Approved Housing Counseling agencies are compliant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program that promotes objective, professional counseling for prospective homebuyers, renters, and existing homeowners (particularly those facing the risk of foreclosure). Q. What are the responsibilities of a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency? A. HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies are a community resource. Non-profits that serve as HUD Approved counseling agencies must make their services available to everyone in the community. They are also listed on HUD’s Housing Counseling website, along with contact information, so the public can access them from anywhere in the country. Q. Are there professional standards for housing counselors? A. Yes. The Federation has endorsed the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling and the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling – Foreclosure Specialty. Q. Do individual counselors need to be certified? A. Yes. Comprehensive housing counseling includes a full range of technical specialties such as pre-purchase, rental assistance, foreclosure intervention, reverse mortgages, homeless assistance, and more. The Federation’s network offers comprehensive housing counseling services, but not every individual housing counselor is certified to provide every specialized service. Counselors must successfully complete rigorous certification courses and meet continuing certification requirements in order to provide services through a HUD approved agency. Q. What do HUD-certified housing counselors do? A. Counselors generally follow seven steps for individual clients: Interview the client confidentially to learn basic information about the client and her or his housing need or problem. Identify resources (within the counseling agency, the client’s community, or HUD) that might help meet the need or resolve the problem. Design a counseling plan for the client. Explain the plan to the client and obtains the client’s consent for the counselor to carry out the plan, including the actions the client must take. Refer the client to other resources within the community and assist the client in making appointments. Recommend additional private or group counseling sessions conducted by the agency or other community resources. Monitor the client’s progress toward meeting the need or resolving the problem Not sure who to turn to? Call InCharge Debt Solutions to speak with a HUD-certified housing counselor who can help you determine the best course of action for your situation or visit our website. We’re here to help! Our Location 5750 Major Blvd Suite 300 Orlando, FL 32819 Latest From Our Blog Cities That Will Pay You to Move There In Housing September 10, 2021 Should You Be Investing While You Are In Debt? In Personal Finance April 28, 2021 19 Side Jobs to Make More Money In Personal Finance March 29, 2021 More Links Client Login Leadership State Disclosures Terms & Conditions of Use Privacy Policy Contact Us About Us Careers Affiliations © 2000-2021 InCharge Debt Solutions. All Rights Reserved. | 501(c)(3) Non-profit Credit Counseling Organization. | We do not lend money.