Pre-purchase Counseling

Guidewell Financial's certified housing counselors help you understand the home buying process and prepare for homeownership. To get started, register for either a group workshop or the online course. Then you'll meet with a counselor for a one-on-one discussion of your unique financial situation and develop an action plan for the homebuying process. Together the workshop/online course and one-on-one counseling qualifies you for a number of downpayment, closing cost, and affordable mortgage assistance.

Pre-Purchase Group Workshops

Guidewell Financial offers in-person, group workshops for first time homebuyers who are seeking to purchase a home in Maryland or Florida. You’ll learn about how to shop for a house, budget considerations, mortgages, down payments, and other things you should consider for successful homeownership. Workshops are HUD-approved. For additional information, click the registration links below. Some workshops may require a fee.

Register for Baltimore, Maryland

Register for Keystone Challenge, Florida

Register for Martin & St. Lucie County, Florida

Register for Hillsborough County, Florida

Register for Palm Beach County, Florida

Register for Orange County, Florida (English)

Register for Orange County, Florida (Spanish)

Please note, as of June 16, 2018, Guidewell Financial charges $50.00 for an individual and $75.00 for a couple for the Baltimore City Homebuyer Education Class. A fee waiver will be granted for households making less than $32,000, disabled, and Section 8 recipients. The fee includes your one-on-one individual counseling session and credit report.

Pre-Purchase Online Course: eHome America

Through Guidewell Financial, you can take an online course that will show you how to shop for a home, get a mortgage loan, and maintain your new home. The online platform gives you the opportunity to complete the course at your convenience. The charge for the online course is $125.00, to be paid when you register. 

Please note, if you’re applying for federal, state, or local down payment assistance, courses can only be done with certain agencies and may require additional counseling. Make certain before enrolling in this course that you are aware of your program's requirements.

Register for eHome America

Pre-Purchase One-on-One Counseling

After completing an in-person workshop or online course, you will need to schedule a one-on-one counseling session to fulfill the housing counseling requirement for most down payment and closing cost assistance programs. Our counselors meet with you to develop your home buying plan. We talk with you about what you can afford, budgeting, saving, and your mortgage options. We can help you review your credit report and look at possibilities to resolve credit issues that could affect getting a loan. To make an appointment, please call 1-866-731-8486.