Homebuyer Counseling & Workshops
Since 2004, our Homeownership Center has worked alongside interested homebuyers, and helped 2,399 families achieve their dream of homeownership. We know from experience that preparation, planning and commitment are the keys to success.
For many, preparing to buy a home takes time and perseverance. In some cases, homeownership may not be the right choice yet. Regardless of your starting point, we can walk you through all the steps of the homeownership process and help you make the choices and decisions that best fit within your means.
Curious about homeownership? Here are some questions to consider:
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A home mortgage lender will need to know that you have a history of paying your bills and debts on time. DHIC’s Homeownership Center can help you review and understand your credit report before you approach a lender.
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Most lenders require continuous employment for at least two years. If you are concerned about your job security or are planning to change jobs, our counselors can help you think through whether now is the right time to buy.
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A new car, a new baby, or college tuition can influence your ability to manage a house payment, utilities, and maintenance expenses. We can help you examine whether your anticipated expenses will affect your timing and price range.
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Owning a home decreases your mobility, since, unlike a renter, you cannot simply give notice to the landlord and move. If you sell your home within the first five years, you may lose the money that you have invested in it. It makes sense to evaluate whether your employer, future job opportunities, and personal needs are likely to keep you in the area for at least the next five years.
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Because homeowners must pay property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, utilities, and upkeep expenses, you can expect to pay more for housing costs when you buy a home than when you rent. Homeowners who are unprepared for these expenses risk losing the asset they worked so hard to obtain. A DHIC counselor can help you develop and stick to a household budget before you make the homeownership plunge.
How to Start your Homeownership Journey with DHIC:
Step 1
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Click to download the Applicant Intake form.
Have a co-applicant?
Complete the Co-Applicant Intake form. -
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Two (2) most recent pay stubs for all borrowers
Social Security, SSI, pension, or other benefit letters for all borrowers
Evidence of any other income (child support, part-time employment, seasonal employment, etc.)
W-2s for last two (2) years
Federal Tax Returns for the last two (2) years (all pages)
Explanation letter for all gaps in employment over one (1) month
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Past two (2) years signed and dated federal income tax returns (if self-employed or commissioned)
Most recent quarter signed and dated year-to-date profit & loss summary
Proof of quarterly tax payments for last four quarters (Federal & State)
All 1099 tax forms from the past two tax years (if applicable)
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Names & addresses of all creditors along with account numbers, balances, and monthly payment accounts
Explanation Letter for Judgments, Liens, Collections, Repossessions, Foreclosures, etc.
DHIC Budget Sheet/Tracking sheets
Official court documents regarding Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 (including date discharged)
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If child support or alimony is being used to qualify, provide proof of receipt
Bank statements for checking and savings accounts covering last two (2) months
If SSI, AFDC, or retirement income is to be used, provide award letters
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Mortgage or Rental History (2 years)
List the Name, Address, and account # (if applicable) for landlord and/or mortgage lender
Address for the last two years
Final divorce decree and property settlement agreement
If gift money will be used, a letter stating the amount of gift, giver’s name and relationship to borrower
Social Security Card AND Driver’s License (or Picture ID)
Before scheduling a counseling session, download and complete all required documents detailed here:
Step 2
Pay one-time $50 fee for counseling session.
This 1-on-1 counseling session will take place with one of our HUD-certified counselors. We will review your credit, income and assets to help identify any obstacles you may face before coming a homeowner. If you need to take corrective action, establish a budget, or build up a better credit score, our advisors will help you develop and stick to a sensible plan.
We care deeply about your success and strive to help our clients achieve their homeownership goals in any way possible.
Step 3
Email hoc@dhic.org or call (919) 832-3696 to set up your counseling session.
In your email, attach all required documentation from Step 1, and ensure you’ve paid the fee from Step 2.
To ensure your documentation is sent securely, please include the word “SECURE” in your email subject line. For example, “SECURE: Counseling Session Request & Required Documentation”
Prefer to submit your documentation another way?
Mail: DHIC Homeownership Center, 450 E. Davie Street, Raleigh NC 27601
Fax: (919) 322-2146
Drop off: Place it in the dropbox at our Homeownership Center (450 E. Davie Street, Raleigh) Monday-Friday between 8:30am-4:30pm. *Dropbox will be locked outside of regular business hours listed above.
Step 4
Attend Counseling Session
Once you’ve emailed hoc@dhic.org with all required documentation and have completed the one-time fee, our team will reach out to schedule your counseling session.
During this session, one of our HUD-certified counselors will assess your credit, income and assets and help you develop a homeownership plan.
In some cases, homeownership may not be the right choice yet. Regardless of your starting point, we will walk you through all the steps of the homeownership process and financial literacy to help you make the choices and decisions for your individual circumstances. that best fit within your means.
Step 5
If recommended by your counselor, you will be advised to attend one of our “Bringing Home the Dream” Homebuyer Education Workshops.
Attending a homebuyer workshop is an important step for individuals in the homebuying process. The workshop is based on a comprehensive curriculum developed by NeighborWorks America, and segments are delivered by guest speakers such as lenders, realtors, insurance agents and home inspectors.
Participants leave the workshop with an understanding of the mortgage loan process, credit reporting, how to find a home, insurance, home inspections as well as information about various downpayment assistance options. Workshops are typically held monthly (12 per year) and last a minimum of eight hours. Certificates are issued at the end of the class and are good for one (1) year.
These workshops are intended for homebuyers looking to purchase within the upcoming 3-6 months. If that does not apply to you, please do not register for a workshop and first register for a counseling session (Steps 1-4).
Homebuyer education workshops are hosted virtually and in-person.
Virtual workshops will be split into two consecutive Saturdays (4 hours each). Please note, you must complete both sessions on their scheduled dates. Virtual Workshop hours: 8:30am-12:30pm, with check-in (begin logging in to the zoom) beginning at 8:00am.
In-person workshops are one full eight (8) hour day. You will not receive the meeting information until the week of the workshop. In-person Workshop hours 8:00am-4:00pm, with check-in beginning at 7:30am.
For more information or assistance, contact Tiffany Wilkins at (919) 832.3696 or via email: tiffany@dhic.org.
Spanish-speaking workshop schedule:
A Spanish workshop will be listed here when a date is selected. For questions about the Spanish workshop, please contact Issac Reyes at Issac@dhic.org.
2026 Workshop Schedule*:
March 14 & 21 (Virtual)
April 11 (In Person)
May 9 & 16 (Virtual)
June 13 (In Person)
July 11 & 18 (Virtual)
August 8 (In Person)
September 12 & 19 (Virtual)
October 10 (In Person)
November 14 & 21 (Virtual)
December 12 (In Person)
*Schedule is subject to change.
All classes above held in English.
Unable to attend a workshop in person?
An online homebuyer education option, eHome America, is also available for clients who prefer to complete the course at their own pace. Please note that the cost of this self-paced course is $100. Please allow 24-48 hours after you have completed the course for an appointment to be scheduled.