Tri-Churches Housing, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can you help me find a house and loan me money to buy a house?
A: No, TCH is a small, private non-profit agency. We are not realtors or lenders or a branch of the government.

Q: Do you charge for your services?
A: No, all of our home buyer education and counseling is free of charge.

Q: Is your graduation certificate good anywhere I wish to buy or only in Washington Village-Pigtown?
A: We are certified state-wide for any program you may qualify for that requires home buyer education in Maryland.

Q: How long does it take to get my certificate?
A: (1) Attend all three classes (certificates are given out at the 3rd class only.)
(2) Attend one or more classes and make an appointment for an individual counseling session.
(3) Attend one or more classes and a seminar.
(4) Attend a seminar or a presentation* and make an appointment for an individual counseling session.

Q: Do you help people find rental houses or apartments?
A: At this time our programs are designed to provide first time home buyer education and counseling only.

Q: What information do you have about the Empowerment Zone?
A: We keep a directory of homes available in the Westside Empowerment Zone as well as maps and grant information. We have free newsletters and information available from WPNPC (the Village Center) and local community associations.

Q: I'm already a homeowner facing foreclosure. Can you help?
A: If not too late, we may be able to help you through the loss mitigation process or develop a workout plan with your lender/servicer. Because we are such a small agency, our focus is primarily on those clients already on file at Tri-Churches. new clients receive home buyer education in an effort to prevent deliquency and default. In most other cases we refer callers to larger agencies, such as St. Ambrose Housing Aide, with D & D counselors on staff.

Q: What do I need to bring to counseling?
A: Proof of income and your credit report. If you are already working with a lender and/or realtor, please bring a copy of your contract, good faith estimate, and any other supporting documents.

Q: How do I get a credit report?
A: Call these three reporting agencies for a free credit report:
1-888-397-3742 (www.experian.com)
1-800-916-8800 (www.transunion.com)
1-800-685-1111 (www.equifax.com)

Note: We can run a credit report for you but we must pass on the charge.

Q: I cannot make your Thursday evening workshops...
because I work evenings
because I got to school
because I settle in X days and my lender said I need a certificate right away!
because my realtor said I can't put a contract on the house until I reserve SELP funds and they require a certificate
A: Call our office @ 410-385-1463 and ask to speak with our housing counselor as eash case must be reviewed individually.

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)