The Homebuying Process

Step 1: Can we assist you?

Our HomeOwnership Center helps people and families that are purchasing their first home and fall within the income levels listed here.  You are most likely ready for homeownership if your family pays at least $1,000 - $1,200 in rent, can control your other living expenses, is flexible about your housing choices, and has a reasonable credit rating. 

Many families are not yet financially ready for homeownership.  These families benefit from our Financial Fitness Training which helps them take the steps they need to start the homeownership process.  Learn more

Step 2: HomeBuyer Education (HBE)

This 8-hour, HUD certified class for first-time homebuyers qualifies graduates for CHW loans, reduced rates with some lenders, and pre-qualification counseling. Classes are offered several times a month in both English and Spanish across San Diego County.  Learn more -- Class Schedule -- Sign Up

You must first complete HomeBuyer Education to be eligible for pre-qualification and loan assistance.

Step 3: Pre-Purchase Counseling

After you have completed HomeBuyer Education, you can call and reserve your seat for your one-on-one pre-qualification sessions with one of our highly skilled staff members. We offer Pre-Qual sessions just about every Wednesday and Thursday in our City Heights Office and once a month at a North San Diego County site.  You will meet with one of our staff members who will review your credit report, income and current situation and let you know what you can afford to purchase at that momemt in time. You will receive non-bias information, remember, we are non-profit and our only interest is to see you acquire and sustain homeownerhsip. You will walk away knowing your: DTI ratio, affordable monthly payment and maximum home purchase price.

What to Bring
RSVP Your Pre-Qual Session

Step 4: First Time HomeBuyer (FTHB) Loans

During your pre-qualification session, you may be told that you are eligible for one or more of Community HousingWorks’ loans.  These loans are added on to your first (primary) mortgage that you receive through the bank to help increase the purchase price you can afford and/or pay for the down payment and closing costs associated with the homebuying process.  Learn more

Step 5: Post-Purchase Counseling

This one-on-one counseling happens after you have purchased your home and covers the new responsibilities and opportunities that come with being a homeowner. This counseling covers debt management, budgeting, home repairs, tax benefits, and delinquency / foreclosure prevention.
Contact us to schedule an appointment--Foreclosure Alternatives