For Home Buyers

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone! AHCOPA's free housing counseling program guides you through every step of the process, from building your credit to closing on your new home.

A large audience seated facing a presenter and presentation screen during an AHCOPA homebuyer workshop

Three people holding a large ceremonial key celebrating a home closing.

Your path to homeownership starts here.

Our HUD-certified counselors are with you from the very beginning, helping you make confident, informed decisions based on your specific situation and goals.

Our counseling is free. The only fee is a one-time credit report fee: $40 for individuals, $78 for couples. It's a soft pull, and will not affect your credit score.

What You'll Get

Working with a counselor means you'll have an expert in your corner.

Access down payment assistance

We'll identify every grant you may qualify for and help you apply.

Set a realistic budget

We make sure you understand exactly how much home you can afford.

Build and improve your credit

We create a personalized plan to get your score where it needs to be.

Compare lenders

We refer you to lenders with favorable terms for first-time buyers.

Build savings

We'll help you develop a savings plan and connect you with savings-matching programs where available.

Understand your mortgage

We explain the jargon so you know exactly what you're signing and what your responsibilities will be.

AHCOPA client smiling and holding up keys in the kitchen of his new home.

“I had a 2-hour consultation for First Time Homebuyer Program....and I want to celebrate his exceptional customer service, patience, and clarity during our call.
I approached the process of homeownership with a lot of fear and confusion, but Aaron has helped me develop a new sense of confidence.”

– Malik, AHCOPA Client and Habitat for Humanity

How it Works

Four steps to begin your homeownership journey

Step 1: Attend a Free Homebuyer Workshop

Your first step is a free, 4-hour First-Time Homebuyer Workshop. Most of our workshops are online. You'll hear from an AHCOPA counselor, a mortgage loan officer, a real estate agent, a home inspector, and a home insurance representative. Come ready to take notes and ask questions.

Step 2: Submit Your Documents and Schedule a Counseling Appointment

After the workshop, we’ll send you a link the following week to schedule your one-on-one counseling appointment. You'll receive a confirmation email with a list of documents to submit at least 48 hours before your appointment, along with a link to pay for your credit report.

Step 3: Get Your Action Plan

At your first counseling session, your counselor will review your finances and build a personalized action plan — the specific steps you need to take to become mortgage-ready. Some clients are ready quickly; for others it takes a few months, or even years, of preparation. Either way, your counselor will stay with you.

Step 4: Get Certified and Access Grants

Once you're mortgage-ready, AHCOPA issues a certificate of completion that qualifies you for down payment assistance grants and your counselor will apply for certain grants on your behalf. The certificate is valid for one year.

Learn About Down Payment Assistance

Get Started on Your Home Buying Journey

The first step is attending a Homebuyer Workshop. The workshops are 4 hours long and include speakers from AHCOPA, partner banks, real estate agencies, and other housing professionals. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, please come prepared and energized.