The First Step Toward Homeownership Starts with Knowing What's Possible

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is share what we know.

That's the lesson our Comprehensive Housing Counseling team keeps coming back to as they guide clients through the homebuying process. This year, 70 people participated in housing education workshops at Neighborhood House — both the eHome online course and virtual Homebuyer Education Seminars.

When we asked Renee White, our Housing Administrator, what she'd want everyone to know about the value of these programs, she didn't hesitate: "I want them to know that knowledge is powerful. Most of them seemed surprised that the information they received was even out there."

It's one thing to say knowledge is powerful. It's another to see it play out. This year, 16 clients have gone on to purchase homes — one, a longtime renter and Housing Choice Voucher recipient, saw their dream realized when they closed on their first home.

For someone who spent years believing homeownership was out of reach, that moment of holding the keys is significant. It means something. It's proof that the path forward was there all along — they just needed help finding it.

What People Really Want to Know

When our Comprehensive Housing Counseling team sits down with clients, certain questions come up again and again: How do I improve my credit score? How do I save enough for a down payment? And in this market — how do I find a home that's actually affordable?

But there was one question that came up more than any other, according to Renee: how to combine down payment assistance programs. People want to know how to layer different resources together to make homeownership work for their budget.

What has surprised Renee most about those she's worked with, particularly this year, is that they're coming in more knowledgeable than in the past. They've done their research. Before they talk to anyone, they have a pretty good understanding of the homebuying process.

What they need isn't motivation or intelligence. They have that. It's someone who can help them connect the dots and navigate the details that put homeownership within reach.

Why the Personal Touch Matters

The Comprehensive Housing Counseling team has offered both virtual and in-person seminars over the years, and Renee has observed the tradeoffs firsthand. Virtual sessions draw bigger crowds. Attendance is simply better when people can join from anywhere without rearranging their whole day.

But there's something irreplaceable about being in the same room together. The chat function isn't the same as face-to-face interaction. When everyone's there in person, the engagement happens naturally. Questions flow more freely. Conversations go deeper.

Still, what matters most is what happens after the seminars end. Several participants shared that Neighborhood House was more responsive to their needs than other agencies, and that the Comprehensive Housing Counseling team actually answered their questions and followed up with them quickly.

That feedback means a lot. When someone reaches out for help with their housing journey, they need to know they're not entering a tiresome voicemail loop. They're connecting with real people who care about helping them succeed, and who will pick up the phone when they call.

Ready When You Are

If you've been dreaming about homeownership but don't know where to start, Neighborhood House’s Comprehensive Housing Counseling program is here for you. You don't need perfect credit. You don't need to have your finances all figured out. You just need to be ready to take the next right step.

Because here's what Renee, John, and Vanessa have seen time and again: the biggest barrier to purchasing a home is less about money or credit or the market and more about not having access to the right information at the right time. And that's exactly what Comprehensive Housing Counseling provides.

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To learn more about our Comprehensive Housing Counseling program, upcoming Homebuyer Education Seminars, or to schedule a one-on-one session with a HUD-certified housing counselor, visit this page or call (302) 658-5404. Ask for Renee — she'd love to help you figure out your next step.