NTA

Unveiling Challenges in Fair Lending: Navigating the 2025 Landscape

This engaging 90-minute webinar is designed to equip housing counselors with essential knowledge and practical tools to navigate the evolving landscape of fair lending in 2025. Join us for an in-depth look at key regulatory changes, common discriminatory lending practices, and actionable strategies to better support clients in the homebuying process.Key topics include:Gain insight into the recent updates to the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and its impact on borrower protections.Understand the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and how to identify and address violations such as redlining and appraisal bias.Explore tools like Reconsideration of Value (ROV) and CFPB complaint filing processes to advocate for clients effectively.Learn about Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs) and how to help clients access race-neutral lending opportunities.Dive into TRID requirements, including Loan Estimates and Closing Disclosures, and how to spot red flags.

High Performing Organizations Have Level 5 Leaders

All high performing organizations have a Level 5 leader. “Level 5” is the highest level in a hierarchy of executive capabilities that can guide an organization from good to great. A Level 5 leader directs, guides, and influences the behavior of members of the team to accomplish organizational goals. Leaders are also visionaries and motivate the organization to future goals.Leadership is an important function of management and a necessary skill for the growth of an organization. Even when the factors of success fall into place, Level 5 leaders must remain constantly vigilant. These leaders must possess the skills of modesty, humility, and fearlessness.No matter the phase of growth of an organization, this course will discuss the different characteristics of a Level 5 Leader and leadership styles. We will also explore how Level 5 skills can be used to lead in BIPOC communities that we serve.You will learn: The importance of leadershipQualities of a Level 5 LeaderThe relationship and differences between leadership and managementEmotional Intelligence in a Level 5 LeaderLeadership StylesChallenges in Leadership

The 8 Soft Skills That Every Professional Needs for Success

Soft skills are the single biggest indicator of personal and professional success. In fact, a recent survey found that 85% of success is determined by them. Soft skills are attributes and abilities that help you work well with others, and effectively navigate your working environment.Soft skills are essential when working in direct services, especially when working with clients who have experienced trauma or mental health challenges. These essential skills help you to provide the resources and services which will increase clients’ successes and retention within the program. Staff who focus on these core areas will be more productive, better able to problem solve, and more prepared to work collaboratively with co-workers.Additionally, soft skills are not only useful for practitioners, they are identified as the most important skill set for leaders to have and are key in effectively communicating change and expectations. When leaders focus on building and strengthening these essential skills, they are better equipped to create a culture of psychological safety and belonging. The use of soft skills is also needed to address policy and practices to foster racial equity and inclusion.

Working Together to Provide Solutions - Bank of America

Discover how Bank of America’s Community Homeownership Commitment’s programs and resources support first time homebuyers and modest income families on the path to homeownership.

Strategic Planning for HECM: Insights for Housing Counseling Workplans, Part Two

Is your agency updating or revamping its Housing Counseling Work Plan?If you're considering adding a HECM Counseling program, join us to explore HUD requirements and evaluate whether this program aligns with your agency's goals. Gain insights to better serve senior residents and enhance your housing counseling offerings.For over two decades, the number of older households facing financial burdens has been steadily rising. In Part Two of this course, we will build on the insights from our previous session and dive deeper into how your agency can enhance its services for senior residents seeking financial guidance.HECM-related questions frequently arise during housing counseling sessions—how is your agency addressing these inquiries? If you’re considering adding a HECM Counseling program, join us to further explore HUD requirements, evaluate program alignment with your agency’s goals, and refine strategies to better support senior residents.

Becoming a HUD approved Housing Counseling Agency Pt. 2

Are you considering becoming a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency? This decision will involve careful consideration, organization and planning. How do you determine if this is the right move for your agency and which HUD Housing Counseling designation fits your agency best? What services should you provide, and are there any you should avoid? What are the key elements to include in your Work Plan? This training will explore what is the commitment involved with being a HUD-approved agency, answer questions about the eligibility criteria and more, providing participants with an inside view of essential steps and criteria for obtaining HUD approval. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the requirements to submit an application to HUD’s Office of Housing Counseling, the review and approval process, and the strategies for success in becoming a HUD-Approved agency.Objectives:Determine the qualifying criteriaReview the application processConsider the agency’s work plan requirementsDiscuss the role of the IntermediaryDifferentiate housing counseling services

Rental Counseling 100: Mastering the Essentials for Effective Guidance

This webinar serves as a fundamental guide for housing counselors, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist their clients towards positive rental outcomes. In this introductory course, participants will explore the core essentials of rental counseling, gaining insights into the intricacies of the rental market, tenant rights, and landlord-tenant dynamics. The curriculum is designed to empower housing counselors to provide effective guidance, addressing common challenges faced by renters and facilitating informed decision-making. Participants will leave with a solid foundation to navigate the rental landscape and offer valuable support to clients seeking rental solutions. This course sets the stage for an in-depth virtual learning experience that will further enhance participants' expertise in rental counseling and provide comprehensive insights into advanced topics within the realm of housing counseling.Learning Objectives:Understand essential elements of rental counseling, including the rental market, tenant rights, and landlord-tenant dynamics.Acquire skills to empower housing counselors in effective client guidance, addressing common renter challenges.Develop a solid foundation for navigating the rental landscape and supporting clients seeking rental solutions.Addresses eligible activities: Rental Housing Counseling.

Rental Counseling 200: Empowering Low- to Moderate-Income Communities

This course is an advanced training program designed to deepen participants' knowledge and skills in rental counseling, specifically tailored to empower individuals and communities with limited-to-moderate income levels. This course delves into advanced strategies for addressing the unique challenges faced by renters in these income brackets. Participants will explore topics such as affordable housing options, financial literacy for renters, and community resources. The course aims to equip counselors with the expertise needed to provide targeted and impactful support to individuals seeking affordable and sustainable rental solutions.Learning Objectives:Explore advanced strategies and resources for assisting individuals in low-to moderate-income communities in finding affordable housing options that align with their financial capabilities.Addresses eligible activities: Rental Housing Counseling.

Becoming a HUD approved Housing Counseling Agency Pt. 1

Are you considering becoming a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency? This decision will involve careful consideration, organization and planning. How do you determine if this is the right move for your agency and which HUD Housing Counseling designation fits your agency best? What services should you provide, and are there any you should avoid? What are the key elements to include in your Work Plan? This training will explore what is the commitment involved with being a HUD-approved agency, answer questions about the eligibility criteria and more, providing participants with an inside view of essential steps and criteria for obtaining HUD approval. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the requirements to submit an application to HUD’s Office of Housing Counseling, the review and approval process, and the strategies for success in becoming a HUD-Approved agency.Objectives:Determine the qualifying criteriaReview the application processConsider the agency’s work plan requirementsDiscuss the role of the IntermediaryDifferentiate housing counseling services

Strategic KPI Communication: Crafting Compelling Narratives for Impactful Storytelling

Strategic KPI Communication: Crafting Compelling Narratives for Impactful Storytelling" is a specialized course designed to empower new and mid-level managers in Housing Counseling Program Management. Participants will learn the art of leveraging Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) strategically to communicate program successes and challenges effectively. This course focuses on honing the skill of crafting compelling narratives that resonate with stakeholders, enabling managers to convey the impact of housing counseling initiatives with clarity and influence. Through practical insights and interactive exercises, participants will gain proficiency in translating data into powerful stories, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions and effectively communicate the value of their programs to diverse audiences. This training is tailored to elevate the communication skills of managers in the realm of housing counseling, fostering impactful storytelling for program management success. Addresses eligible activities: Housing Counseling Program Management and Marketing Your agency.Learning Objectives:Develop proficiency in impactful storytelling techniques, enabling new and mid-level managers to articulate the value and impact of housing counseling initiatives with clarity and influence, fostering stronger program management capabilities.

Navigating Credit Part I: Basics to Credit Report

As consumers continue to struggle when understanding the complexity of a credit report while weighing financial options. Housing counselors become a reliable source for families and individuals to assist in obtaining, explaining and designing a strategy to help the consumer improve, establish or re-establish credit.You will learn:How to read comprehend and explain the content of a credit reportHow to address negative information in the credit reportHow to design a sustainable strategy to improve, establish or re-establish an individual’s credit profile

Navigating Credit Part II: Understanding and Dealing with Credit Scams

As consumers continue to struggle when understanding the complexity of a credit report while weighing financial options. Housing counselors become a reliable source for families and individuals to assist in obtaining, assistance on how to address current credit scams.You will learn:How to recognize credit scamsHow to address negative information in the credit report due to a scamHow to design a sustainable strategy to improve, establish or re-establish an individual’s credit profile and recover after been victim of a scam

Navigating Credit Part III: How to Protect a Consumer’s Credit Report from Scams

Navigating Credit Part III: How to Protect a Consumer’s Credit Report from ScamsRecorded on January 24, 2023Instructor: Gerardo RaveloDescription:As consumers continue to struggle when understanding the complexity of a credit report while weighing financial options. Housing counselors become a reliable source for families and individuals to understand the different tools available to protect an individual’s credit profile.You will learn:Understand and identify tools to prevent scamsBest practices to keep a consumer’s credit profile protected against scams

Navigating Foreclosure Part I: Establishing A Foreclosure Ready Agency

This is a comprehensive training designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills needed to prepare housing agencies for effective foreclosure response. This course provides a detailed exploration of best practices and strategies for establishing a foreclosure-ready agency, ensuring preparedness to assist clients facing foreclosure challenges. Participants will delve into key elements of foreclosure prevention, legal considerations, and proactive measures to enhance agency responsiveness. This foundational module sets the stage for a holistic understanding of foreclosure dynamics and effective agency preparedness.Learning Objectives:Equip participants with the skills to enhance agency responsiveness in the face of foreclosure challenges, fostering a proactive approach to client assistance and contributing to the overall effectiveness of foreclosure prevention efforts.Addresses eligible activities: Foreclosure and Eviction Prevention.

Crunching Numbers Part I: Essential Calculations for Housing Counselors

This beginner- to intermediate-level class creates a greater understanding for housing counselors and financial coaches who wish to learn more about basic mathematical calculations. This 90-minute webinar provides practical information and math practice to help you build your math skills. We include procedural information for counselors who are doing budget counseling or performing consumer financial analyses, particularly when working with consumers who have an end goal of mortgage readiness. Practitioners are exposed to basic math and tools they can use, like a mortgage calculation worksheet, to help them walk with consumers in creating a plan toward their end goal of home ownership. There is a heavy emphasis on mathematical calculations for housing affordability during this course, so bring your calculator and get ready to have fun with math!Course ObjectivesCounselors will know how to perform math calculations we use in our daily work including:Calculating gross and net income (and when to use each one).Calculating ratios for affordability and qualification,Calculating ratios to determine current debt.Understanding how to convert decimals to fractions for interest calculations.Counselors will understand the process of providing a financial analysis that helps create an action plan, with appropriate steps to mortgage loan approval, for consumers they serve.Counselors review budgeting tactics to use with clients.Counselors learn to use a mortgage calculation worksheet to determine an estimated affordable mortgage.

Navigating Foreclosure Pt.II: Advanced Strategies for Effective Intervention

Let’s be prepared when the next foreclosure crisis hits! Building on the foundational knowledge of the webinar “Preparing a Foreclosure Ready Agency”, this session takes the basic information we learned during that webinar to the next level by communicating effective foreclosure intervention strategies through housing counseling. Participants will explore a variety of techniques for engaging homeowners, collaborating with lenders, and leveraging legal and financial tools to prevent foreclosure. This session also provides case studies for counselors to participate in while considering the mechanics of successful foreclosure interventions. We will emphasize the importance of strategic partnerships, early intervention, and customized client solutions to improve outcomes.Learning Objectives:Understand lender’s loss mitigation options and their impact on foreclosure prevention counseling.Learn effective communication strategies for working with lenders and distressed homeowners.Explore legal and financial tools available to support homeowners at risk of foreclosure.Analyze real-world case studies to enhance problem-solving and decision-making skills.Develop proactive agency strategies to strengthen foreclosure prevention programs.

Crunching Numbers Pt. II: Essential Calculations for Housing Counselors

This advanced housing counseling math training continues our quest to understand the most effective ways to use calculations as we work with our counseling and coaching customers. We will provide housing counselors with a deeper understanding of mortgage-related financial assessments and mathematics used to enable a HUD approved financial analysis. Participants will learn how to calculate private mortgage insurance (PMI), discount points, foreclosure surplus income, and other computations that support housing affordability analysis. Using hands-on exercises and case studies, attendees will develop the analytical skills necessary to guide clients toward informed housing decisions.Learning Objectives:· Enhance skills in advanced mortgage-related calculations.· Understand PMI and how to calculate it.· Compute discount points and their impact on loan costs.· Master additional affordability and financing calculations.· Apply HUD informed financial assessments to real-world housing scenarios.

Safety First: 8 Must-Know Tips for Agency Operations

This quick-hit session covers 8 essential safety practices every agency should have in place—from office security protocols to risk awareness—so you can operate with greater confidence, care, and preparedness.Protect your clients, your team, and yourself with this essential safety session designed for housing counseling and community service professionals. Whether you're working in the office, in the field, or delivering virtual services, having strong safety practices in place is critical to doing your work with confidence and care.What You’ll Learn:Key strategies to support physical, emotional, and digital safety in your daily workPractical steps for creating safer spaces for both clients and staffTools to help your team navigate risk, boundaries, and high-stress situationsFoundational practices that promote preparedness, wellness, and resilienceThis course is ideal for counselors, case managers, supervisors, and anyone working on the front lines of housing and community support. Walk away with actionable insights to strengthen your agency’s safety culture and operate with greater peace of mind.

Building Nonprofits Organizational Resilience - Part II: Assessing & Managing Risk in the New Normal

Most nonprofit leaders probably discovered that COVID-19 gave the phrase “managing risk” a much different meaning. More than ever before, leaders understand that managing risk is more involved than securing a liability insurance policy and creating a handbook. Understanding that risks vary for each nonprofit based on their location and activities; sustainable best practices to risk management differ and require teamwork from managers, staff and board members. What are some risks that nonprofits need to think about? Did COVID restructure your resources, services or the way the agency delivers services? What tools are available to help leaders identify, assess and prevent unnecessary risks to their organizations? In this webinar we will learn about types of risk that could negatively impact organizations, how to perform an assessment to determine risk, and how to address risk. We will also explore tools that will help organizational leadership assess risk and review current coverages that may need to be increased.You will learn different types of risk including:Governance Risks – How to effectively work with the board to ensure members are effectively overseeing the organization and making reasonable decisions that are in the best interest of the agency.Financial Risks – How to determine if current financial procedures ensure accurate accounting and prevent fraud.Regulatory Compliance and Legal Risks – Does leadership ensure that procedures including human resources, donations, grants, adhere to applicable laws and regulations?Goodwill and Reputation Risks – What steps can organizations take to avoid risks that will damage the reputation of the organization? Will this affect our ability to carry out our mission?

Judicial and Non-Judicial Foreclosure Processes and Timelines

This webinar is designed to provide a brief overview of strategies used to avoid foreclosure in the context of judicial and non-judicial foreclosure processes and timelines. Also, it is designed for housing counselors who are actively providing mortgage delinquency, default, and foreclosure counseling. Participants will learn the strategies that are most successful in judicial and non-judicial foreclosure processes.You will learn:The strategies that are most successful in judicial and non-judicial foreclosure processesThe triggers that lead to foreclosure in each process and learn about strategies to use in time-limited processes