A multi-year campaign will raise awareness about HUD-certified counseling services
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is partnering with Zillow to increase access to housing counseling services, particularly for first-time and disadvantaged homebuyers.
The new partnership will feature the department’s “Let’s Make Home the Goal” campaign across Zillow’s platforms, which reach 217 million monthly visitors. The campaign, launched in June 2023, is designed to raise awareness about the benefits of pre-purchase housing counseling provided by HUD-certified counselors. It specifically targets communities of color, who have historically faced systemic barriers to homeownership.
With Zillow’s involvement, the campaign aims to reach over 8 million prospective homebuyers in 42 media markets this year.
“We’re excited to raise awareness about the availability and benefits of housing counseling,” Federal Housing Commissioner Julia Gordon said in a press release. “These initiatives make it easier for households to access the assistance they need to navigate the homebuying process or to secure safe, affordable and stable housing.”
“Partnering with HUD on their 'Let’s Make Home the Goal' campaign and increasing access to quality credit counseling services is an important step to help bridge the homeownership gap and build generational wealth for more families,” added Jennifer Butler, vice president of government affairs at Zillow.
As part of its effort to improve access to housing counseling, HUD also announced a new final rule allowing housing counseling agencies to use virtual methods, such as online meetings and phone consultations, to deliver their services.
This change is aimed at reaching more people who may face barriers to in-person counseling, such as language difficulties, physical disabilities, or challenges with transportation and childcare.
Read next: HUD modernizes manufactured homes with major rule changes
The new rule takes effect on October 16 and requires participating agencies to offer remote services where possible. If an agency is unable to meet the needs of a client through virtual or in-person counseling, it must refer the individual to another agency that can provide the necessary services.
Stay updated with the freshest mortgage news. Get exclusive interviews, breaking news, and industry events in your inbox, and always be the first to know by subscribing to our FREE daily newsletter.
