HUD Housing Counseling
Western Dairyland offers a comprehensive suite of HUD housing counseling services to support individuals and families in achieving financial stability and housing success. Our programs are designed to guide clients through every stage of housing—whether renting, buying, or maintaining a home—with an emphasis on education, budgeting, and informed decision-making. The agency has three HUD Certified Counselors.
Rent & Tenancy Counseling
Helps clients understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants. Topics include:
- Lease review and understanding rental agreements
- Budgeting and credit education
- Landlord-tenant communication and mediation
- Overview of tenant rights under Wisconsin law
Financial Literacy Education
Provides foundational skills in managing personal finances, with a focus on housing stability:
- Budget creation and management
- Understanding credit reports and scores
- Establishing and maintaining good credit
- Safe and effective banking practices
Pre-Purchase Counseling & Education
Guides potential homebuyers through the steps of homeownership:
- Qualifying for a mortgage and down payment assistance
- Navigating the homebuying process
- Reducing mortgage insurance (when applicable)
- Long-term budgeting for homeownership success
Post-Purchase Counseling
Supports new homeowners in maintaining financial stability and home upkeep:
- Strategies for staying current on payments
- Home maintenance planning
- Budget management for ongoing costs
Foreclosure Prevention & Default Counseling
Assists homeowners facing delinquency or foreclosure:
- Evaluating loan modification options
- Reviewing and submitting documentation to lenders
- Acting as a liaison with mortgage servicers
- Exploring all available alternatives to foreclosure
Reverse Mortgage Counseling
Required for all HUD Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), this service includes:
- Explanation of reverse mortgage terms, fees, and responsibilities
- Review of eligibility and qualifying amounts
- Guidance on when repayment becomes due
- Empowering seniors to make informed decisions