Who is eligible for your programs or services?
Anyone can participate in our services and programs, though some loan or grant products may be restricted to certain income limits.
What would my first step be if I wanted to learn more about your programs?
Attend one of our free one hour Orientation Sessions to learn more about our programs and services. Sessions are offered in both English and Spanish. To sign up, call Rosa Salas at 508-791-2170 X 226.
What happens at an Orientation Session?
An Orientation Session discusses the NeighborWorks® HomeOwnership Center of Worcester's services, and examines common credit issues around home buying and home ownership.
After an Orientation Session what is my next step?
Your next step would be to meet with one of our housing counselors to help determine what your needs and goals are. Are you looking to buy your first home? Are you a veteran homeowner considering renovating your home? Or wanting to explore the possibility of becoming a landlord? One of our counselors can help you decide the next step that's right for you.
Why take the First Time Homebuyer Class?
Because buying a home can be a very complicated and confusing process with many steps, participating in the First Time Homebuyer Class, which has a nominal fee, will help you to become a more knowledgeable and better informed buyer. And because a home is such a large investment, many lenders require that first-time homebuyers attend a First Time Home Buyer certification course. Our homebuyer class is a comprehensive class on the ins and outs of homeownership. We discuss the entire process of homeownership from shopping for the best loan for you, to selecting a realtor, to signing at the closing. Also, because we work with you after you purchase your home as well, our counseling staff will continue to work with you through purchase and beyond.
What if I have a question after I purchase a house?
Just call our office and speak to our homeowner counselor.
What if I decide after I buy that I need a rehab or lead paint abatement loan?
You can call and speak to our loan officer and our rehabilitation/lead paint abatement specialist and they can help you take the necessary steps to begin the process of applying for a rehab or lead paint abatement loan.
What assistance do you provide for veteran homeowners?
We offer a variety of services and programs to veteran homeowners, including educational programs, access to affordable loan and insurance products, rehab construction services, foreclosure/default-prevention counseling, and help in identifying and avoiding risky financial services and offers.
What are risky financial services and offers?
Risky and costly financial services and offers are typically provided by predatory lenders who are sub-prime lenders that impose onerous rates and terms on borrowers, often with higher monthly payments which can result in the loss of the property through foreclosure. The NeighborWorks® HomeOwnership Center of Worcester has been selected as one of four Pilot locations in New England as part of the TD Banknorth/NeighborWorks® America Fringe Banking and Predatory Lending Pilot Program, to design and implement a public awareness campaign and education curriculum.
Do you offer any employer-assisted programs?
Yes, we do. We have worked closely with UMass Memorial Health Care, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, and the City of Worcester to implement a new Homeownership Assistance Initiative that targets assistance to homebuyers and homeowners in the Bell Hill neighborhood of Worcester.
We also work closely with other non-profit community development corporations to help them find buyers for their newly developed, below market rate affordable housing.
For more information on employer-assisted programs, contact the Center Director, Fran Paquette at 508-791-2170, extension 222.
Do you have affordable properties?
Quality, safe, and affordable properties are sometimes made available from private developers and local non-profit housing agencies which have received funding from the city and state to rehab a property to be made available for low-income families looking to buy their first homes. When these properties are available, the NeighborWorks® HomeOwnership Center of Worcester will get a list, which the housing agency produces, describing the application process. Please note that you will need to adhere to income guidelines and deed restrictions for that particular property and/or agency.
To learn more about affordable properties or to receive a listing of these properties contact one of our Housing Counselors at the Center.
