Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc. (VHB)
Homeownership and Rental Center
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
What is a HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) approved housing counseling agency?
A HUD approved agency is an one that has been approved by the federal government to provide housing counseling services. HUD approved agencies agree to comply with all requirements and regulations put out by HUD. In addition, agency files are subject to government audits.
As a HUD approved agency, what services does Visionary Home Builders offer?
Our services include Housing Counseling, Homebuyer Education, and Financial Capability Programs.
Where does funding for VHB Housing Coaches come from – how are they paid?
The staff at the Homeownership and Rental Center is paid primarily through federal, state, and program specific grants. Our services are free of charge or low cost.
What kind of training do VHB Housing Coaches have?
Our Housing Coaches go through HUD approved trainings. When a Housing Coach has completed the classes and passed the test, they become certified.
HOMEBUYERS EDUCATION:
Why should I take a Homebuyers Education class?
Many of us spend a lot of time researching our choices for television and cell phone service. When buying a home, possibly the biggest financial investment of our lives, we should spend considerably more time educating ourselves about the process. The VHB Homebuyers Education class is helpful for the first-time homebuyer, as well as an excellent refresher course for anyone who has not purchased in recent years. In addition, many loan programs may require that buyers attend and complete a homebuyer class from a HUD approved agency.
How can I register for the VHB Homebuyers Education class?
Registration forms are available on our website at or at our office at 315 N. San Joaquin St, Stockton, CA 95202. Return the completed form to VHB, along with a cashier’s check or money order of $50.00 per person or $100.00 per couple made payable to Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc.
What can we expect at the Homebuyers Education class?
Our classes are taught the 4th Saturday of each month, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. We cover all aspects of home buying, including information about various loan products, the title and escrow process, loan documents, and home maintenance. We also provide a list of professional contacts.
What happens after class?
Next step is a one-on-one appointment with a VHB Housing Coach. Together, you will review your budget to assess the monthly mortgage payment you can comfortably afford. We will also run a credit report.
LOAN MODIFICATION & FORECLOSURE PREVENTION COUNSELING:
How does the foreclosure prevention counseling work?
Foreclosure prevention counseling is provided in a one-on-one setting with a Housing Coach at no cost. The Housing Coach will stay with you for the entire process. There is a fee of $23.05 per person to run a credit report. The funds must be in the form of a cashier’s check or money order made payable to Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc.
How would I get started with foreclosure prevention counseling?
Get our Foreclosure Prevention packet either from our website, www.visionaryhomebuilders.org, or at our office at 315 N. San Joaquin St., Stockton, CA 95202. Follow the instructions, complete the forms, make photocopies of all the documents, and return the packet and the photocopies to VHB.
At VHB you will schedule an appointment with a Housing Coach. Together, you and your Housing Coach will work together to design and implement your action plan. For some, the plan may be to request a loan modification from your bank or other mortgage relief resolutions.
What exactly is a loan modification?
A loan modification means changing the existing terms of your current loan. This could be to lower the interest rate or a principal reduction on your loan. Another option may be to change the loan from 30 years to 40 years. Both of these can result in a lower payment for the homeowner.
What is the difference between a loan modification and refinancing my home?
When you get a loan modification you keep the same loan and the same lender. Only the terms of the loan change.
When you refinance your house it involves paying off the existing loan to the current lender and then receiving a brand new loan.
Is there a charge for a loan modification by VHB?
No, VHB does not charge you to modify the terms of your loan.
Is there a charge to refinance my home by a lender?
There may be. Since a refinance is a brand new loan, you will be subject to all the costs typically associated with getting a new loan, such as points, an appraisal fee, closing costs, etc.
