Module Summary
As clients learn how to manage money, they will need guidance from housing counselors to recognize their options for safeguarding and building their assets. In this module, you’ll learn about different types of accounts and account features at financial institutions, such as banks or credit unions. Next, you’ll learn to emphasize the importance of short-term savings and retirement savings. Last, you’ll learn to identify opportunities for clients to take advantage of opportunities to increase income through income tax credits.

Module Summary It is important for housing counselors to understand the basics of fair housing and know what is protected by the Fair Housing Act, or FHA, in order to inform and empower clients effectively. In this module, you’ll learn about the history of housing discrimination, key provisions of the FHA, and basic terms and concepts necessary for identifying potential violations of fair housing law.

Learning Objectives By the end of this module, counselor will be able to:

Module Summary Whether clients seek counseling to transition away from homelessness or to prepare to purchase a home in the future, housing counselors can assist them in securing affordable rental housing. In this module, you’ll learn about concepts associated with the execution and termination of a lease agreement, the responsibilities of tenants and landlords regarding property maintenance, and steps to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. You’ll also learn about renters insurance.

Module Summary Due to any number of financial hardships, clients may face the unfortunate prospect of eviction. In this module, you’ll learn about the rental eviction process and steps clients can take to avoid eviction. You’ll also learn about options for alternative housing, such as emergency shelters or transitional housing, if moving becomes necessary.

Learning Objectives By the end of this module, counselor will be able to:

Module Summary

Module Summary
Once clients have a better understanding of their financial ability to afford housing, housing counselors can provide additional information to help them make an informed decision about their housing options. In this module, you’ll learn about different types of mortgages and related costs, including mortgage insurance. You’ll also learn to identify funds available to potential homebuyers for down payment assistance, as well as sources of rental assistance and other resources available to future tenants.

Module Summary If clients decide to leave or are unable to maintain their homes, housing counselors can help by providing options and resources. In this module, you’ll learn about the costs and consequences of disposition options such as foreclosure, short sale, and deed-in-lieu. You’ll also learn about the steps involved in transitioning away from the home, through foreclosure or other methods, and programs that can assist in the process.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, counselor will be able to:

Module Summary Housing counselors have a responsibility to understand the Fair Housing Act, to be able to recognize signs and evidence of potential housing discrimination, and to promote client awareness about fair housing requirements. It is necessary for housing counselors to be able to give clients information on how to file a fair housing complaint through HUD or through state and local programs that handle such complaints.

Module Summary
Fundamental knowledge of personal finance is central to successful household management, and housing counselors should understand budgeting basics in order to assist clients effectively. In this module, you’ll learn how to help clients identify and define their financial goals and how to coach them on creating a household budget. You’ll also learn to help identify strategies to adjust the budget and develop a realistic Client Action Plan.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, counselor will be able to:

Module Summary
An important role of a housing counselor is to help clients understand the importance of establishing and maintaining a good credit history in order to achieve their financial goals. In this module, you’ll learn how to analyze a client’s credit report and explain the components of a credit score. You’ll also learn to advise clients on the pitfalls of bad credit, and how to improve credit scores. Last, you’ll become familiar with consumer rights protected by credit laws and how to explain these to clients.