The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a homeownership assistance program to fit everyone’s needs and help anyone in the process of acquiring a home. Homeownership assistance services are available to seniors who have never purchased a home or who have not done so in many years. Many people in the market to buy a home choose to utilize HUD’s housing counseling services. HUD has operators who have information about housing assistance for seniors, can answer questions about certain issues like foreclosures and direct inquiries to specific services. If a senior needs to speak to a housing counselor about foreclosure avoidance or homelessness, then the counseling will be free of charge. In other cases, the agency may charge for specific housing services, but the rates must be on par with the service offered.

HUD also has a number of HUD homes that seniors can purchase. These homes are owned by HUD as a result of foreclosures and in most cases are less expensive than other homes on the market. There are also certain loans that are only available through HUD or to people buying a HUD home. These loans make mortgages much more affordable for people who need assistance. There are also several programs available to help people avoid foreclosures and keep their homes for as long as possible. Download our free housing guide for comprehensive details about housing programs for senior citizens.

Seniors can also file housing discrimination complaints in the event that they have been discriminated against during the home buying or renting process. Housing counseling agencies are available to walk seniors through how to file a housing discrimination complaint and what happens after they file a complaint. Seniors should only file a housing discrimination complaint if they believe they were discriminated against in a way that violates the protected classifications listed in the Fair Housing Act.

Seniors have specific programs offered through HUD that can help them move into a home. For more information on all of these home ownership assistance programs and services, how these services work and eligibility requirements, please refer to the sections below.

About Housing Counseling Services

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides housing counseling for seniors who have never bought a home before or who have not gone through the process in a while.

Seniors may benefit from housing counseling services to learn about the programs available to them and to obtain favorable lending terms. HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies all over the country to give senior, as well as others advice for a small fee and, in some cases, for free. If a senior would like to talk to a housing counselor, then the professionals who work with HUD are trained to give advice on how to buy an HUD home, how to avoid going through a foreclosure, defaulting, reverse mortgages, credit problems and more. Representatives can also help seniors who need advice about renting.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

Residents submit housing discrimination complaints when a type of illegal bias occurs when acquiring a home. All individuals should know how to file a housing discrimination complaint and the types of housing discrimination that are unlawful, as to identify and react if discrimination arises. Property owners and managers are not allowed to discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status or disability. These characteristics are protected by the Fair Housing Act and are against the law. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has specific forms and ways that seniors can combat housing discrimination.

How to Buy a HUD Home

Seniors may want to consider HUD homes to obtain reasonably priced housing in their area. The process to buy a home from HUD is the same as buying a normal home that is on the market. There are many advantages of buying an HUD home for senior citizens and other prospective homeowners on a fixed budget. While anyone can purchase a HUD home, preference is given to those who are purchasing the home to live in.