Government > Departments > Development and Planning > Community Development Agency > Housing Counseling

Housing Counseling Services

All of the following services are provided by the ACDA. A fifteen ($15.00) fee will be charged to run a credit report.

Credit Counseling
Have one of our counselors run your credit report and work with you to devise a plan to address any outstanding credit issues, assisting you in becoming credit ready to qualify for a mortgage.

Budgeting
Sit with a counselor to create a working budget based on your income, debt, recurring bills, etc. If you don't already have a relationship with a bank, we will help you to establish a checking and/or savings account with the bank of your choice.

Pre-purchase Services
A counselor will review the home buying process.  They will discuss the mortgage process, a realtor’s role, the closing and other various aspects of purchasing a home.

Loans/Grants
The City of Albany and its lending partners have several grants, loans, and savings programs for down payment and closing costs. The programs have various levels of income eligibility, with the newest program having no income restrictions.

On-site Lenders
Numerous banks throughout the capital region have representatives with office hours at the ACDA that will review with you the various mortgage options they offer. They can also pre-qualify you for a mortgage, at which time they will go over all the documentation you will need to obtain pre-approval and ultimately your mortgage.

Property Listings/ On-site Realtors
You will find display boards with numerous For Sale by Owner and realtor listings. Several realtors conduct office hours at the ACDA and will work with you to begin shopping for a home.
 
Mortgage Default/Foreclosure Assistance
If you have gotten behind on your mortgage payments, a counselor will sit with you to discuss all your options and devise a plan to help bring your mortgage current.