What role does a housing counselor have in foreclosure prevention?

A housing counselor plays a crucial role in foreclosure prevention by providing advice and negotiation support to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. Their primary function is to work closely with individuals facing financial difficulties related to their housing situation. They assess the homeowner's circumstances, help them understand their options, and may negotiate with lenders on behalf of the homeowner. This support may include budgeting assistance, connecting clients with resources such as legal aid, and providing guidance on loan modifications or repayment plans. The overall goal is to help the homeowner retain their home and stabilize their financial situation, preventing foreclosure from occurring.

The other options do not accurately reflect the housing counselor's role in this context. For instance, directly selling foreclosed homes pertains to real estate practices rather than counseling, and evaluating real estate investment opportunities or determining market value for properties focuses more on investment and appraisal activities rather than providing supportive counseling to distressed homeowners.