Homeownership Counselor
The Homeownership Counselor is responsible for carrying out the affiliate's homeownership client intake, counseling, education, and closing process, with particular emphasis on either preparing applicants for successful partnership in HFHSTW's homeownership program or successful qualification with an outside lender, utilizing HUD compliant practices.
Employee Status: Full time
Homeownership Counseling Activities
- Pass HUD certification exam within 2 months of hire
- Counsel clients and keep records in compliance with all HUD certification requirements
- Orient clients to the St. Tammany Homeownership Center services and accept intake packet
- Document household income, expenses, debt, and other required information
- Identify potential loan programs for income level
- Discuss underwriting criteria and pros and cons of Habitat and outside loan options
- Collect credit report fee, run initial credit report, and review with homebuyer
- Identify credit challenges
- Facilitate analysis and modification of homebuyer household budget
- Conduct calculations including affordability based on income and debt
- Create written action plan for resolution of credit, budget, and/or other issues
- Provide structured follow-up to written action plan
- Document all activity in Counselor Max client management system
- Screen/coordinate participants through available Individual Development Account Programs
- Make referrals to other lenders or entities for additional services as needed
Homeownership Education Activities
- Teach/Facilitate the following:
- Financial Fitness classes
- Homebuyer Education classes
- Additional classes as needed
- Identify and engage subject matter experts for classes as appropriate
Loan Origination Activities
- Obtain and maintain requirements for Qualified Loan Originator status per Habitat for Humanity International requirements
- Conduct regular income and credit verification throughout the partnership phase for HFHSTW homebuyers
- Conduct final loan qualifying activities as HFHSTW acts of sale approach
- Perform loan origination for HFHSTW closings using Calyx Point system
- Work with outside lenders of non-Habitat clients, including packaging USDA 502 Direct loans
- Obtain homeownership counseling and education certifications as required
- Obtain USDA 502 Direct loan packaging certification
General
- Ensure all record keeping, tracking and reporting is complete, timely, and in compliance with appropriate guidelines
- Participate in community housing-related groups and coalitions
- Report non-routine matters to your supervisor timely
- Other duties as assigned
Education Requirements
- Four year degree, plus two years of experience in housing counseling/education/non-profit residential lending strongly preferred
- Five years of relevant experience may be substituted for the degree
- Current or recent housing counseling certification
EEO Policy Statement
Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression, results of genetic testing, service in the military or veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Company Information
Habitat for Humanity STW is seeking a skilled individual with a background in case management, lending, mortgages or banking. This individual will be comfortable presenting in front of large audiences, be a self-starter and able to work independently, as well as possess or be able to obtain HUD and Housing Counseling certifications.