Our housing counselors provide you with custom - tailored guidance as you prepare for homeownership.

In our session we will:

• Determine how much home you can afford
• Build your credit and reduce debt
• Create a budget and build savings
• Become mortgage ready
• Plan your next steps to start your homeownership journey

Housing counseling appointments are scheduled at your convenience during our business hours. Counseling sessions are typically 60-90 minutes long (depending on your needs) and can be conducted over video call, by phone or in person at our Homeownership Center at 847 Steves Ave.

You will be asked to complete a counseling intake packet and provide us with documentation for your financial assessment. Although all counseling sessions are free of charge, NHSSA charges a $25 fee, per borrower, to obtain your credit report for the housing counseling session.   A credit report is comprehensive and collects data from the three major credit bureaus.  The type of credit report we pull is a "soft inquiry", meaning it will not impact your credit score.  Once you call our offices and decide to set an appointment, an NHSSA counselor will provide you with the counseling intake packet and options to pay for your credit report.

$25 to obtain your credit report 

The City of San Antonio's Neighborhood and Housing Services Department provides a HUD-approved First-time Homebuyer Education Class. In-person and self-paced online options are available.

The course is based on a standardized curriculum that covers these core topics of homeownership and more.

• Budgeting
• Credit
• Obtaining A Mortgage Loan
• Shopping for a Home
• Homeowners Insurance
• Protecting your Investment

Our in-person classes are held monthly. The cost is $35 per household. Registration is required. Click here for dates and to register.

The self-paced online course is provided in partnership with E-Home America. The cost is $99.

To receive a certificate of completion for either option, an in-person advising session with one of our counselors is required.

The Neighborhood Housing Services of San Antonio provides up to $20,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers in Bexar County for the purchase of their home. Our assistance is in the form of a second mortgage, meaning that it is a loan that is paid back over time. Once you are pre-approved for your home loan, we work with your lender to determine the level of assistance needed for your down payment and/ or closing costs. 

We know that saving for a down payment can be challenging, so let us help you reach that goal of homeownership sooner!

Potential homebuyers must meet all program eligibility guidelines and requirements including: 

• First-Time homebuyer
• Obtain a 1st lien mortgage with a participating lender
• US citizen or permanent resident 
• Purchase home in Bexar County 
• Minimum credit score of 580 
• Fall within the income guidelines. Income guidelines can be found here, Down Payment Assistance.
• Complete a HUD approved Homebuyer Education Class 

• For Prospective Homeowners

NHSSA offers 1st lien mortgages. If you are interested in purchasing a home, come shop and compare offers. Our rates are very competitive and we work with a variety of mortgage companies to provide you with the best product to fit your needs. Our Lending staff have over 20 years of experience with 1st and 2nd lien mortgages and will provide you with exceptional service from start to finish.

To get pre-qualified please contact, our Lending Specialist.

• For Prospective Homeowners

NHSSA can help you with making smarter overall financial decisions, such as choosing credit products that can help you build or rebuild credit. It can also help you to keep your credit score in a higher range as you monitor your credit report for inaccuracies.

?Click here to view resources and tips on information regarding credit and credit history.