Free Housing Counseling

PCHC, a HUD certified Housing Counseling Agency, administers its Counseling Program with funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development & New York State Attorney General Home Ownership Protection Program (HOPP)

The program offers housing counseling for homeowners, addressing reverse mortgage, foreclosure and pre-purchase.

The program offers counseling for a person, family or group of persons with the same documented need, regardless of the area of assistance. All clients will receive an analysis of their financial situation.

Young Family Looking at a Beautiful New Home.

All counseling services require a complete Intake application prior to appointment.

Reverse Mortgage

Counseling for the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) insured by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The eligibility requirements are:
Borrowers: All owners must be borrowers; all borrowers must be at least 62; the home must be your primary residence.
Properties: One to four unit dwellings, including some condominiums, manufactured homes and planned unit developments (PUDs); no mobile homes or cooperatives; and must meet minimum property standards (local building codes) identified as part of the appraisal process.

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Homeownership Program

PCHC offers an enhanced homeownership program to assist residents in purchasing a home. This includes The Homebuyer Dream Program in partnership with Tompkins Community Bank, M&T Bank, HVCU and Beacon Bank through the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York.

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Foreclosure Assistance

Through HUD-certified foreclosure prevention counseling, the Counselor will work closely with borrowers to evaluate their financial situation and explain all available options to help them avoid foreclosure and maintain housing stability. Options discussed may include forbearance and reinstatement agreements, loan modifications, pre-foreclosure sales, assumptions, deeds in lieu of foreclosure, and Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) for eligible senior homeowners. When appropriate, homeowners may also be referred to organizations such as Legal Services of the Hudson Valley for free legal assistance or to the Putnam County Department of Social Services for additional support services. The Counselor may also accompany and assist homeowners during Mandatory Court Settlement Conferences to help advocate for sustainable solutions.

In addition, Putnam County Housing Corporation works directly with lenders, banks, and mortgage servicers to negotiate workout agreements, short sales, repayment plans, and other foreclosure prevention remedies designed to help families remain in their homes whenever possible.

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