Take the first step
Attend our class and get your downpayment certificate to access money available.
If you are pre-approved click here
Take the First Step
Attend our class and get your downpayment certificate to access money available
If you are pre-approved click here
What You’ll Gain
•Financial review to ensure mortgage readiness
•Increase your affordability with access to lender options
•Help to choose the mortgage that is right for you
•Save thousands with access to downpayment and closing cost assistance
•Know what to expect during inspections, appraisals, and settlement
•Learn how to avoid common homebuyer mistakes
Homeownership Guidance = Thousands in Savings
When you complete the class and required 1-on-1 counseling, you’ll earn a Downpayment Certificate, valid for 12 months. This certificate:
How the process works
Buying a home can be daunting and confusing. HomeFree-USA provides expert advice and ongoing guidance to help you qualify for downpayment assistance, secure an affordable mortgage, and navigate the process.
•Valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport)<br>
•30 day proof of income (for all individuals applying for the program)<br>
•Proof of additional income (e.g., Social Security, child support, self-employment)
• If self-employed year to date Profit & loss statement
•2 years of W-2 forms<br>
•If self-employed: 2 years of business tax returns.
•2 most recent bank statements (checking and savings)<br>
•Retirement or investment account statements (if applicable)
A tri-merge credit report is included with your $35.90 fee
(Please do not submit your own report from Credit Karma or other services)
Required Documents Checklist
Already Pre-Approved by a Lender?
If you’ve already been pre-approved and only need a certificate for downpayment or closing cost assistance,
Access our On-Demand Certificate Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The class itself is completely free. The only cost is a $35.90 fee for your credit report and administrative services, which is paid during the class.
Yes! Our certificate is accepted by most downpayment and closing cost programs. It’s valid for 12 months and recognized by lenders and government agencies.
Yes. Whether you’re buying in 3 months or 3 years, it’s never too early to learn the process and get your plan in place.
If both names will be on the loan, yes. Each person must register, attend the class, and complete a separate counseling session. Each will pay the $35.90 fee.
You may. But you will need to pay the administrative fee, fill out the intake and submit the documents to complete counseling. You can attend the class after couseling.
Success Stories
24 Years Old. Homeowner. And Just Getting Started.
At 24, Nia didn’t think homeownership was anywhere near her future. Like many young people, she assumed buying a home was something reserved for her 30s or even 40s—someday, when
Zahra’s Journey to Homeownership: From Uncertainty to Stability
For a long time, Zahra believed homeownership was something she would reach much later in life — maybe in her 40s. Like many young families, she and her husband were
How One of Our Scholars Built a Tool Helping Families Nationwide
When Nickola joined HomeFree-USA’s Center for Financial Advancement® Learn2Earn Internship Program, she didn’t just want professional experience—she wanted to make an impact. And thanks to a real challenge identified by