Down payment assistance through TLC can pay for down payment, pre-paids and all other buyer’s closing costs up to $7,125.00 for homes purchased in the City limits. If the client is in the very low-income category, down payment assistance can be expanded to $12,050 for homes purchased within the City limits, if needed. The loan is secured by a second mortgage loan at zero interest and no required payments. The loan is due and payable upon 1) sale, transfer, bankruptcy or foreclosure, 2) refinance of the first mortgage, 3) the borrower no longer occupies as primary residence or 4) maturity of first mortgage (not more than 30 years).

TLC believes that we will better serve the greatest number of our clients by focusing our initial education efforts on budgeting and credit readiness. Topics of discussion include: program guidelines for down payment assistance; the pros and cons of home ownership; understanding your credit report and resolving credit issues; other programs available to first time home buyers. The free two-hour night class is held semi-monthly at the public library or at another conveniently located site. There are no prerequisites for attendance; individuals are not pre-screened for income eligibility or City/County location preference; and registration may be made by telephone.

Home ownership often involves many surprises - some welcome, some not. First-time home buyers can now be better prepared for the paper trail that lies ahead. This program is designed to prepare potential home buyers for home ownership, enhance loan investment quality, reduce the possibility of delinquency and default, and improve the lives of citizens.

Prospective home buyers can learn about the home buying process through classroom training with qualified instructors and avoid many of the common problems that trouble new home buyers. The course provides information on the establishment and maintenance of good credit ratings, budget and financial management, loan agreement terms, property taxes, insurance, home and property maintenance, sales contract, closing settlement statement.

Successful graduates of the six-hour program will be eligible for special benefits, including qualifying for down payment assistance and access to special loan programs. Free classes are presented semi-monthly, one Saturday a month from 9am – 3 pm and two weeknights per month from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Lunch and dinner are provided. [TOP]

A unique feature of Tallahassee Lenders' Consortium is the "after-purchase" instruction (usually six or 12 months after closing) for graduates as an extended service. The two hour free workshop is held twice a year at the public library or at another conveniently located site. Guest speakers lead discussion on various topics including budget and financial management, property taxes and homestead exemption, home security, homeowner’s insurance, maintenance, repair and improvement and home energy services. [TOP]

TLC is a HUD approved delinquent and default mortgage counseling agency. Homeowners experiencing problems with making mortgage payments are provided one on one counseling to help them weigh their options. Many people have been helped to turn their financial situations around through our free delinquent counseling services. For more information or to make an appointment, please complete questionnaire and email to Len Hardy at lhardy@tallahasseelenders.org.
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TLC believes that we will better serve a greater number of our clients by focusing our initial education efforts on personal financial wellness. The information included in this class will help you understand the basics of budgeting, credit and credit reporting. The free two-hour night class is held monthly at the public library or at another conveniently located site. There are no prerequisites for attendance; individuals are not pre-screened for income eligibility or City/County location preference; and registration may be made by telephone. [TOP]

The TLC Home buyers Club (The Club) is for area residents who want to own a home but are not eligible because of unfavorable credit, not enough savings, too much credit or other barriers that prevent home ownership. The Club provides support to assist club members in becoming eligible for home ownership through education, counseling, peer support and goal setting. Membership is free and meetings are held quarterly for two-hours at TLC's offices or some other convenient location. Club members will benefit from topics such as credit, mortgages, real estate market, personal finance and more. The prerequisite for attendance is at least one pre-purchase counseling session with a TLC Home ownership Specialist; individuals are pre-screened for income eligibility for the City/County down payment assistance programs; and registration may be made by telephone. [TOP]