Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
Homebuyer Education Initiative Program (HBEI)
Program Guide Review
Program Overview
• Application requirements
• National Industry Standards
• Initial agency visits & Compliance reviews
• Customer Reporting
• Training material
• Marketing
• Continuing Education Requirements
• Compensation and Required Services
Application Requirements
• Local government agencies, public housing authorities, HR agencies, Development Districts, UT Extensions, and 501 C (3) non-profit agencies.
• For profit and non-profit industry connected businesses not accepted.
• At least one staff member must be certified in NeighborWorksAmerica HO 229 Pre-Purchase course.
• Application must be completed and submitted with requested supporting documentation.
• Contact HBEI Team when ready to begin the process.
National Industry Standards
• Required to adopt the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling (NIS).
– Provides “best practices”
– Recommendations & benchmarks for professional, quality service
– Sign National Code of Ethics and Conduct
http://www.homeownershipstandards.com/Home/FAQ.aspx
Agency Visits & Compliance Reviews
• Initial agency visits after application is submitted and approved
• Annual compliance reviews and visits
• Mystery shopper visits & follow up visits if applicable
• Customer satisfaction surveys
Customer Reporting
• Fannie Mae: Home Counselor Online
• NeighborWorks America: Counselor Max
• HBEI Agencies must share customer data with THDA on a monthly basis
• Tracking system for HBEI Team to order agency training materials and to report to HUD, General Assembly and THDA Board
Training Material
• All NeighborWorks America training books are provided by THDA, free of charge
– 58 manual maximum, per month, unless agency demand is higher
• Realizing the American Dream (Training Manual & Student Manual): English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin Chinese
• Keeping the American Dream
• Home Maintenance Guides
Marketing & Building Awareness
• Have you Connected with a THDA CONNECT Team Liaison?
• Partner with businesses and company owners in your community: Lenders, Realtors, Government officials, other Homebuyer Education providers, etc.
• Print material: flyers, brochures, newspaper ads, etc.
• Public advertisements: radio, television, agency website, social media
• THDA Homebuyer Education Calendar
Continuing Education Requirements
• In order to maintain your certification you must:
– Obtain 30 hours of continuing education hours over a 3 year time span.
– 15 of the 30 hours must be NeighborWorks America “certified” courses (i.e. HO 229)
– Other courses must be pre-approved by NW (Visit NeighborWorks’ website or contact THDA HBEI staff for form and instructions)
*THDA offers annual Peer Session and other training opportunities for you to obtain C.E. hours.
Compensation
• $250 for 8 hour group education
• $250 for 7 hour group education plus 1 hour individual counseling service
• $250 for minimum of 4 hour one-on-one homeownership education/counseling service
• $150 for homeownership counseling as a component of approved online homebuyer education service
Tips to Stay In Compliance
• Read and understand the HBEI Program Guide & be aware of all future revisions
• Provide consistent report
• Regularly scheduled classes at a safe, accessible location conducive to learning
• No/few validated customer complaints or evidence of conflict of interest
• Maintain certification
Resources
• Vicki George: [email protected] or 615-815-2085
• Jayna Johnson: [email protected] or 615-815-2019
• www.thda.org
• www.nw.org
• www.homeownershipstandards.com
• www.keystomyhome.org
Questions?