Homeownership Counseling
Buying a home is a big deal. We are here to help you do it right and set yourself up for long-term success with our homeownership counseling. LSS Financial Counseling is accredited by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help families understand the home purchasing process. Our HUD-certified housing counselors work with you to get your finances in order before you buy a home and walk you through the process.
You can be sure you’re doing things right — and taking advantage of existing resources — with our trusted support for anyone considering homeownership.
It’s not just about buying a home — it’s about staying in it and making it work for you. Research shows that informed homebuyers are successful homeowners.
Please note: Our Homeownership Counseling Services are only offered in Minnesota.
Nonjudgmental, HUD-Certified Housing Counselors Provide Ongoing Guidance to:
- Help you assess your financial situation
- Determine if you are ready to buy and help you calculate what you can afford.
- Address barriers, such as credit, debt or student loans.
- Share information on current mortgage loan programs.
- Connect you to down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- Achieve your goals based on your specific needs.
Meeting with a HUD-certified housing counselor is free and confidential.
Framework Homeownership Course
This online course was developed by the Minnesota Homeownership Center and the Boston-based Housing Partnership Network. It offers you additional education around smart homeownership, and it usually takes 4-6 hours to complete. It is a good compliment to our Homeownership Counseling Services. It costs $75 and was created to help first time homebuyers better understand the buying process.
What People Say About This Service:
“Your financial counseling service is a real source of help to people and has been a real blessing for me. It has provided me with the steps and road maps needed for becoming a homeowner. Through your professional and expert advice, my credit scores have dramatically increased, and I am getting my financial affairs together so I can be approved for mortgage financing.” -- Zoe from Minneapolis
“Working with your financial counselor gave us the confidence to buy a house and empowered us throughout the process. While we had a good relationship with our mortgage broker and realtors, we especially appreciated your counselor's neutral, supportive role; it was really nice to have somebody to fact check information. You helped demystify an intimidating, opaque and stressful experience, and we strongly recommend LSS Financial Counseling.” -- Sarick from Minneapolis
Funding for this homebuyer service is provided through the generous support of Minnesota Housing, Minnesota Homeownership Center, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, and Family Housing Fund.
What Do I Need for Counseling?
In order for your financial counseling session to be most productive, it is helpful to have the following information available:
- Your monthly income.
- Typical monthly expenses.
- Statements from your creditors.
- Any other information you believe would be helpful in understanding your financial situation.
Don't have everything? Don't worry. Call us and we help guide you through the process.
Get Started Today
Our free and confidential Homeownership Services are available for Minnesota residents by phone or virtually. We also offer in-person appointments across Minnesota.
We have counselors who are fluent in Spanish and Hmong. In addition, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is available as needed.