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American Financial Solutions offers three homebuyer services:
- Pre-purchase housing counseling (including down payment assistance programs)
- USDA 502 Direct Home Loan Packaging Services, and
- Loan Document Review
Scroll down to learn more about each service.
Contact a HUD Certified Housing Counselor at 888.864.8699
American Financial Solutions is a proud partner of the Black Home Initiative. Learn more.
Pre-Purchase Housing Counseling
Embarking on the journey of homeownership is both exhilarating and demanding. As a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, our team of certified housing counselors is adept at guiding you through the intricacies of the home buying process.
Our pre-purchase counseling is designed to tailor your home buying options, empower you with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions, and help you realize your dream of homeownership.
We encourage you to collaborate with one of our housing counselors. They will assist you in preparing for your home purchase, usually at very little cost to you (see our fees here).
The advantages of pre-purchase counseling are numerous:
- Evaluating your financial situation and creating a realistic household budget.
- Assessing the price range of homes within your budget.
- Enhancing your credit score to secure a sustainable mortgage.
- Understanding various mortgage options and preparing for the application process.
- Exploring eligible home buyer assistance programs, such as down payment assistance.*
From the moment you apply for a mortgage to the day you close, our housing counseling team is committed to providing you with expert advice and support, ensuring you feel confident at every stage of the process.
We invite you to connect with us for any questions or to learn more about our housing counseling services. To facilitate our assistance, please review and complete our pre-purchase intake forms prior to your first appointment.
Here are some additional resources to help you on your journey.
*AFS offers pre-purchase counseling for several down payment programs including, but not limited to HomeChoice, House Key Plus, and ARCH. Upon completion of the pre-purchase housing counseling session, you will be issued a certificate of participation. If you choose to proceed with the loan process, your lender may require this certificate.
Counseling is available in both English and Spanish. 888.864.8699 or Housing@myfinancialgoals.org
USDA 502 Direct Loan Packaging
Since 1949, the Federal Government has allocated funds to assist individuals in purchasing homes in rural areas across America through the USDA 502 Direct Loan program. As certified loan application packagers, we are dedicated to helping qualified buyers leverage this fantastic opportunity to achieve homeownership.
Section 502 of the Housing Act of 1949 empowers the use of federal funds to assist low- and very low-income individuals in purchasing homes that are decent, safe, sanitary, and structurally sound in rural areas throughout America. Managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), this funding is provided in the form of the Rural USDA Direct Loan.
There are three main considerations for a USDA loan:
- People must meet income limits for the county in which they would like to reside.
- The home must be in what the USDA defines as a “rural area.”
- The purchasing process may take longer than purchases made with conventional financing.
The program is designed for people who are renting or live in unsafe or unsanitary conditions and who may not be able to secure funding through other means.
The USDA loan program offers several benefits for eligible homebuyers, including:
- No Down Payment: One of the most attractive features of a USDA loan is that it allows eligible buyers to purchase a home without a down payment.
- Reduced Mortgage Insurance: Compared to other loan programs, USDA loans have lower mortgage insurance costs. There is an upfront guarantee fee, which can be rolled into the loan amount, and an annual fee, which is paid monthly.
- Competitive Interest Rates: USDA loans often come with interest rates that are competitive with, or sometimes even lower than, conventional mortgage rates.
- Flexible Credit Requirements: While borrowers still need to meet certain credit criteria, the USDA loan program has more flexible credit requirements compared to conventional loans. Borrowers with less-than-perfect credit may still qualify.
- 100% Financing: In addition to no down payment, USDA loans allow for 100% financing, meaning the loan can cover the entire purchase price of the home.
- Geographical Flexibility: Although USDA loans are designed for rural areas, many suburban areas near cities also qualify. You might be surprised to find that properties in areas you wouldn't consider "rural" are eligible.
- Use for Various Properties: USDA loans can be used to purchase new or existing homes, approved condos, modular homes, and even properties with additional land.
It's important to note that USDA loans are intended for primary residences only, not for investment properties or vacation homes. Additionally, there are income limits and property eligibility requirements that must be met to qualify for a USDA loan.
Talk to a certified USDA Packager and HUD Certified Housing Counselor today to get started on your home ownership journey! 888.864.8699 or Housing@myfinancialgoals.org
Loan Document Review Counseling
Home Loan Document Review Counseling is a specialized service aimed at assisting prospective homebuyers in understanding and navigating the complex paperwork associated with obtaining a mortgage. This counseling provides an opportunity for individuals to have their loan documents thoroughly reviewed by a knowledgeable professional before finalizing their home purchase. The counselor can:
- Explain the terms and conditions of the loan,
- Identify any potential red flags or unfavorable terms, and
- Ensure that the borrower fully understands their rights and responsibilities.
This service is particularly valuable for first-time homebuyers or those who may not be familiar with the intricacies of real estate transactions. By taking advantage of Home Loan Document Review Counseling, buyers can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes, ultimately leading to a smoother and more secure home buying experience.
Get started today with a HUD Certified Housing Counselor. 888.864.8699 or Housing@myfinancialgoals.org
Working in partnership with the Washington State Housing Finance Commission AFS assists clients to meet their housing needs.
Please click below to see our schedule of housing fees.