Homebuyer Counseling

The DHIC Homeownership Center has worked alongside more than 700 Wake County residents to help them purchase their first home. We know from experience that preparation, planning and commitment are the keys to success.

For many, preparing to buy a home takes time and perseverance. In some cases, homeownership may not be the right choice yet. Regardless of your starting point, we can walk you through all the steps of the homeownership process and help you make the choices and decisions that best fit within your means.

Here are some questions to think about before making a decision to move forward:

  • A home mortgage lender will need to know that you have a history of paying your bills and debts on time. DHIC’s Homeownership Center can help you review and understand your credit report before you approach a lender.

  • Most lenders require continuous employment for at least two years. If you are concerned about your job security or are planning to change jobs, our counselors can help you think through whether now is the right time to buy.

  • A new car, a new baby, or college tuition can influence your ability to manage a house payment, utilities, and maintenance expenses. We can help you examine whether your anticipated expenses will affect your timing and price range.

  • Owning a home decreases your mobility, since, unlike a renter, you cannot simply give notice to the landlord and move. If you sell your home within the first five years, you may lose the money that you have invested in it. It makes sense to evaluate whether your employer, future job opportunities, and personal needs are likely to keep you in the area for at least the next five years.

  • Because homeowners must pay property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, utilities, and upkeep expenses, you can expect to pay more for housing costs when you buy a home than when you rent. Homeowners who are unprepared for these expenses risk losing the asset they worked so hard to obtain. A DHIC counselor can help you develop and stick to a household budget before you make the homeownership plunge.

Online Homebuyer Education

DHIC’s Homeownership Center partners with eHome America to help more clients obtain Certified Homebuyer Education.

Whether it’s due to schedules or distance, often potential homeowners are unable to make it to DHIC for in-person counseling and workshops. Now you have a choice. Online access will enable you to learn about the process and become certified to obtain your first home.

Register for online workshops.

Onsite Homebuyer Education

Our online courses do not replace in-person counseling. We want to help our clients achieve their homeownership goals in any way possible.  If you’re ready to take the next step, and you’d prefer to meet in person at DHIC’s Homeownership Center, we’re here for you. Contact Tiffany Wilkins to get started.

You can also see our Workshop schedule.

When you come to meet with a DHIC Homeownership Advisor, please provide copies of the following documents:

    • Two (2) most recent pay stubs for all borrowers

    • Social Security, SSI, pension, or other benefit letters for all borrowers

    • Evidence of any other income (child support, part-time employment, seasonal employment, etc.)

    • W-2s for last two (2) years

    • Federal Tax Returns for the last two (2) years (all pages)

    • Explanation letter for all gaps in employment over one (1) month

    • Past two (2) years signed and dated federal income tax returns (if self-employed or commissioned)

    • Most recent quarter signed and dated year-to-date profit & loss summary

    • Proof of quarterly tax payments for last four quarters (Federal & State)

    • Names & addresses of all creditors along with account numbers, balances, and monthly payment accounts

    • Explanation Letter for Judgments, Liens, Collections, Repossessions, Foreclosures, etc.

    • DHIC Budget Sheet/Tracking sheets

    • Official court documents regarding Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 (including date discharged)

    • If child support or alimony is being used to qualify, provide proof of receipt

    • Bank statements for checking and savings accounts covering last two (2) months

    • If SSI, AFDC, or retirement income is to be used, provide award letters

    • Mortgage or Rental History (2 years)

    • List the Name, Address, and account # (if applicable) for landlord and/or mortgage lender

    • Address for the last two years

    • Final divorce decree and property settlement agreement

    • If gift money will be used, a letter stating the amount of gift, giver’s name and relationship to borrower

    • Social Security Card AND Driver’s License (or Picture ID)

    • Other: *$50 Counseling Fee (must be in the form of check, cashier’s check, money order, or online here)

      • Client is responsible for any returned check fees

      • Above fee is not applicable for Foreclosure Prevention Counseling

      • Fees are subject to change

    • Hardship letter, signed and date by the borrower(s)

    • Request for Mortgage Assistance (RMA), completely filled out, signed and dated by the borrower(s)

    • 4506-T or 4506T-EZ, completely filled out, signed and dated by the borrower(s)

Download a copy of this checklist

Forms & Documents

To set up an appointment with one of DHIC’s Advisors, please download and complete the required documentation on this page.

Once all documents have been completed and submitted to the Homeownership Center, a member of the team will reach out to you directly to schedule an appointment.

Applicant Intake Form

Co-Applicant Intake Form

Privacy Policy & Disclosure Documents

Documentation Checklist

You can submit your completed documentation in the following ways:


Email: HOC@dhic.org
Fax:  (919) 322-2146
Mail: DHIC Homeownership Center, 450 E. Davie Street, Raleigh NC 27601
In Person: Place in the dropbox at the Homeownership Center (450 E. Davie Street, Raleigh) Monday-Friday between 8:30am-4:30pm.
*Dropbox will be locked outside of regular business hours above.