What type of assistance can a housing counselor offer clients struggling with payments?

A housing counselor is specifically trained to provide various forms of support to clients facing challenges with housing payments, with a primary focus on foreclosure prevention strategies. These strategies include assessing the client’s financial situation, discussing their options, and creating a plan to help them avoid foreclosure. Counselors are equipped to connect clients with community resources, understand loan modifications, negotiate with lenders, and provide education on managing finances to stabilize their housing situation.

While direct financial assistance might be beneficial, it typically falls outside the standard role of a housing counselor, who focuses on empowering clients through information and strategies rather than providing direct funds. Similarly, buyout options and investment advice are not standard services offered by housing counselors; their goal is to help clients maintain their current housing rather than facilitating investment opportunities or buying/selling properties.