Homeownership Services

Supporting sustainable homeownership and helping individuals and families avoid foreclosure to achieve long-term stability.

About Homeownership Services

Homeownership Services is a community-driven initiative at UCHC that provides low- and moderate-income individuals and families with the support and resources they need to navigate the homebuying process, prevent foreclosure, and maintain long-term homeownership.

Founded in 2009 in response to the national mortgage crisis of 2008, the program aims to address the housing challenges faced by Detroit residents. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including financial education, foreclosure prevention, mortgage counseling, down payment assistance, and more. By empowering homeowners with the tools and knowledge to succeed, Homeownership Services helps promote stability, wealth-building, and community development across Detroit.

Client Resources

Creating Pathways to Homeownership

Our Homeownership Services initiative has a transformative impact on individuals, families, and communities. By increasing access to affordable housing, supporting financial stability, and promoting community development, the program contributes to the creation of equitable, sustainable communities. Everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve the dream of homeownership, and through our services, UCHC is helping make that a reality for Detroit residents.

Mortgage and Land Contract Counseling

Our counseling services guide individuals and families through the complexities of mortgages and land contracts. Whether negotiating new terms or navigating financial hardships, our experienced counselors provide personalized support to ensure homeowners understand their rights and responsibilities, with the goal of avoiding foreclosure and achieving long-term stability.

Land Contract Buyout

We help Detroit residents with unstable or predatory land contracts by assisting them in renegotiating or buying out their contracts. This service provides families with the opportunity to secure long-term homeownership, build equity, and transition away from terms that might otherwise lead to financial instability. Through our buyout assistance, we help residents resolve debts and secure their homes for the future, avoiding foreclosure and providing an opportunity for lasting ownership. To date, this initiative has helped 56 families build over one million dollars in immediate equity.

Title Research and Assistance
We assist homeowners with title research to ensure their property records are accurate and up-to-date. This service is particularly important when navigating the complexities of land contracts, helping homeowners secure clear ownership of their property and avoid legal complications in the future.

Assistance with Filing Documentation
We guide homeowners through the process of filing Property Tax Affidavits (PTAs) and Principal Residence Exemptions (PREs). These filings help reduce property tax burdens and ensure residents are receiving all eligible benefits, making homeownership more affordable and sustainable.

Post-Purchase Education
Once homeowners secure their property, we offer post-purchase education that includes workshops on home maintenance, energy efficiency, and financial management. This ongoing support helps homeowners maintain their property, reduce costs, and protect their investment over time.

Homeownership Services Impacts

Preventing Displacement and Eviction: Our Homeownership Services program works with tenants at risk of eviction or displacement to help them stay in their homes or transition into homeownership. By preventing eviction and displacement, we stabilize neighborhoods, protect families from homelessness, and support economic security.
Supporting Community Development: Stable, affordable housing is a cornerstone of thriving communities. Through our Homeownership Services, we help maintain diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. This supports broader community development efforts by promoting social cohesion, cultural diversity, and economic resilience.
Empowering Tenants and Homeowners: By providing education on tenant rights, homeownership responsibilities, and financial management, we empower individuals to become advocates for themselves and their communities. Our goal is to foster a stronger housing ecosystem where tenants and homeowners have access to the tools they need for advocacy and success.
Improving Housing Conditions: We work with tenants and their landlords to resolve repair and maintenance issues, ensuring safe and healthy living conditions. Whether through direct intervention or by offering resources for repair assistance, we help maintain homes that provide a stable environment for families to thrive.