Homebuyer Education and Counseling

At OPAL we want every homebuyer to know as much as possible about the big step of buying a home. OPAL staff members are certified homebuyer counselors. They meet with applicants and provide information about options for buying a house, the responsibilities of homeownership, household budgeting, how the community land trust model is similar to and different from conventional homeownership, what  needs to go into the application for a mortgage loan and what to expect after buying a home.  Our one-on-one approach recognizes that everyone’s situation is unique, and that good information is key to making good decisions.

We continue to be a resource after people buy their homes.  It can help to have someone with experience think through challenging financial events such as reduced work hours, illness or divorce; or to figure out how to save and pay for big-ticket maintenance like a new roof.  We also help people if it’s time to re-finance, or we direct homeowners to other available local resources to lower their costs for power, sewer, heat, internet and real estate taxes.  And when it’s time to re-sell, we are there to help with that process too.