Housing Counseling Intake

We at Matrix Human Services (“MHS”) value your trust and are committed to the responsible management, use and protection of personal information. This notice describes our policy regarding the collection and disclosure of personal information. Personal information, as used in this notice, means information that identifies an individual personally and is not otherwise publicly available information. It includes personal financial information such as credit history, income, employment history, financial assets, bank account information and financial debts. It also includes your social security number and other information that you have provided us on any applications or forms that you have completed.

We collect personal information to support our housing counseling program and to aid you in shopping for and obtaining a home mortgage from a conventional lender. We collect personal information about you from the following sources:

• Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates or others,
• Information we receive from a consumer reporting agency, and
• Information that we receive from personal and employment references.

Information that we receive from you on applications or other forms,

We may disclose the following kinds of personal information about you:

• social security number, employer, occupation, assets, debts and income;
• Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates or others, such as your account
• balance, payment history and parties to your transactions; and
• Information we receive from a consumer reporting agency, such as your credit bureau reports,
• your credit history and your creditworthiness.

Information we receive from you on applications or other forms, such as your name, address,

We may disclose your personal information to the following types of unaffiliated third parties:

• Others, such as nonprofit organizations involved in community development, but only for program review, auditing, research and oversight purposes.

Financial service providers, such as companies engaged in providing home mortgage or home equity loans,

We may also disclose personal information about you to third parties as permitted by law. Prior to sharing personal information with unaffiliated third parties, except as described in this policy, we will give you an opportunity to direct that such information not be disclosed.

We restrict access to personal information about you to those of our employees who need to know that information to provide products and services to you and to help them do their jobs, including underwriting and servicing of loans, making loan decisions, aiding you in obtaining loans from others, and financial counseling. We maintain physical and electronic security procedures to safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of personal information in our possession and to guard against unauthorized access. We use locked files, user authentication and detection software to protect your information. Our safeguards comply with federal regulations to guard your personal information.

If you prefer that we not disclose personal information about you to unaffiliated third parties, you may opt out of those disclosures, that is, you may direct us not to make those disclosures (other than disclosures permitted by law

• development, you may check Box 1 on the attached Privacy Choices Form.
• If you wish to opt out of disclosures to nonprofit organizations involved in community development that are used only for program review, auditing, research and oversight purposes, you may check Box 2 on the attached Privacy Choices Form.

If you wish to opt out of disclosures to unaffiliated third parties other than nonprofit organizations involved in community

To assure that all employees of Matrix Human Services are committed to the mission, vision, and values of the organization and avoid any activities that are in conflict with the mission, vision, and values or not in the best interest of Matrix.

Matrix Human Services desires to avoid situations in which actual or potential conflicts of interest may exist. A conflict of interest exists when an interested person engages in any activity, practice, or act which conflicts or appears to conflict with, the interest of Matrix Human Services, its consumers, clients, suppliers, or vendors that participates either directly or indirectly in any arrangement, investment, service, agreement or other activity resulting in personal gain or benefit to himself or herself or family member (including, but not limited to a spouse, child, parent, sibling or other relatives with a close personal relationship) at the expense of Matrix, or one of the Matrix clients, suppliers or vendors.

1. An “Interested Person” is any person serving as a volunteer, director, officer, employee, or member of the Board of Directors of Matrix Human Services or a major donor to Matrix Human Services or anyone else who is in a position of control over Matrix Human Services who has a personal interest that is in conflict with the interests of Matrix Human Services.

2. Conflict of interest defined. In this policy, a person with a conflict of interest is referred to as an “interested person”.

If you have checked any of the boxes above, please mail this form in a stamped envelope to:

Matrix Human Services 13560 E. McNichols Detroit, MI 48205 Attn: Housing Counseling Program

Please allow approximately 30 days from our receipt of your Privacy Choices Form for it to become effective. Your privacy instructions and any previous privacy instructions will remain in effect until you request a change.

Our agency provides the following HUD one-on-one housing counseling services:

• Rental Topics – Our approach is to assist with understanding all components related to the agreement where a payment is made for the temporary use of a property owned by another. We will work with you to understand why credit matters, what is an affordable rent payment, common landlord requirement, understanding lease agreements, and basic tenant rights and affordable housing options.
• Pre-Purchase/Homebuying – This service is to assist with understanding all aspects of the home buy process such as understanding credit worthiness, being approved for a mortgage, PITI, the closing event and etc. The goal is to prepare individuals and families to become mortgage ready and move to them through the process of closing on the home.
• Home Maintenance , Financial management for homeowners (Non-delinquency and Post Purchase - Most often clients need information on repair programs and maintenance related issues. These clients usually have short term counseling needs, which involve advocacy, referral and case management activities by the Housing Counselor.

Our agency also provides the following services and group education workshops:

• Financial Literacy – Curriculum that assists with the possession of the set of skills and knowledge that allows an individual to make informed and effective decisions with all of their financial resources.
• Rental Topics – Curriculum that assist with understanding all components related to the agreement where a payment is made for the temporary use of a property owned by another such as understand why credit matters, what is an affordable rent payment, common landlord requirement, understanding lease agreements, and basic tenant rights and affordable housing options
• Pre-Purchase/Homebuyer Education – Curriculum that helps with understanding all aspects of the home buy process such as understanding credit worthiness, being approved for a mortgage, PITI, the closing event and etc.
• Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase - Specialized curriculum that involves learning about energy efficiency, maintenance and home repair activities, and financial maintenance and refinancing.

Relationships with Industry Partners:

• Matrix Human Service has a financial and professional affiliation with United Way for Southeastern Michigan and Detroit Land Bank Authority. As a housing counseling program participant, you are not obligated to use the products and services of Matrix Human Services or our industry partners.

• There is no obligation to receive, purchase, or use any product or service offered by this agency or any services of its industry partners or other party in exchange for your receiving HUD housing counseling services.

• As a condition of our services, and in alignment with meeting our counseling goals, and in compliance with HUD’s Housing Counseling Program requirements, we may provide information on alternative services, programs, and products available to you, if applicable and known by our staff.

I have read and received a copy of this disclosure:

This disclosure was conveyed verbally via a in-person/virtual/telephonic session:

MHS Housing Counseling Disclosure Form

Housing Counseling Agreement and Release of Information

In signing this agreement and re lease, I am agreeing to actively participate in the Housing Counseling program being offered by Matrix Hum an Services (MHS) in order to receive Housing Counseling services. I understand that participation in this program is voluntary and is offered in collaboration with other services I may receive from Matrix Human Services. I am aware that my financial situation will be discussed with a counselor who in turn will assist me in developing action steps towards achieving and maintaining financial self-sufficiency with the purpose of housing and other goals. I, agree to the following:

1. I may be referred to other programs/services within MHS to assist me. I understand that I am not obliged to use any of the services or partake in any of the programs recommended to me.
2. I understand that MHS receives funds from various funding sources and as such, is required to share some of my personal information with program administrators or their agents for purposes of program monitoring, compliance, and evaluation.
3. I give permission for MHS staff, evaluators, and program administrators to follow up with me for purposes of program evaluation.
4. I give MHS permission to pull my credit report every six months for the purposes of program evaluation and to determine increases in my credit score, net income, & net worth.
5. I understand that a counselor may answer questions and provide information, but cannot give legal advice. If I want legal advice, I must contact and retain the services of an attorney on my own.
6. I understand that the MHS counselors are not financial advisors and cannot and will not recommend specific securities for the purposes of establishing a financial portfolio.
7. I understand that MHS staff may provide recommendations ns for handling my finances and possibly include referral(s) to other organizations as appropriate.
8. I further understand that the counseling and recommendations I receive from MHS in no way obligate me to utilize any particular program in an effort to meet my financial goals.
9. I understand that I have the right to REVOKE the MHS' authority to pull credit reports at any time and that such revocation must be signed in writing.

Failure to sign a consent form may result in denial of certain program assistance or program benefits.

CONSENT: I hereby allow MHS, its agents, employees, or its affiliates to request and obtain the client's credit report information, from a specific credit bureau(s) as pertinent to MHS Housing Counseling Program. I allow contact to be made on my behalf with representatives from collection and credit bureau companies.

SNAP (food stamps)/WIC (monthly participant income - net)

HELOC(s) - Primary Residence (monthly payment)

Homeowners Insurance (monthly payment)

Gas/Heating (monthly estimate)

Student Loan(s) (monthly payment)

Phone - landline (monthly estimate)

Cell Phone (monthly estimate) Other Utilities Expenses (monthly estimate) (note: cable and internet are located in Personal Expenses)

Beauty Salon/Barber Shop (monthly estimate) Recreation - movies, CD's, sporting events, vacation, etc. (monthly estimate)

Car Maintenance (monthly estimate)

Other Transportation Expenses (monthly estimate)

Vehicle 3, 4, 5, etc. (combined loan balance)

Unpaid Bills (not in collections/not charge-offs)

Balance Sheet Calculations (auto calculated by system) [header]

Access to Your Record

 

You have the right to see your record. Upon request, you or your legal representative may read or get a copy of all or part of your record. There may be a charge for the cost of copying.

If you are denied access to your record, you or someone on your behalf may appeal the decision.

 

Environmental Rights

 

You have the right to receive services in a place that is clean and safe.

If you are receiving residential services the facility must have good lighting, adequate heat, fresh air, hot and cold water, a bathroom with privacy, personal storage space, and it should be free from unpleasant smells.

 

Civil Rights

 

You have the right not to be discriminated against because of your:

·       Age

·       Color

·       Height/Weight

·       National origin

·       Physical or mental challenge

·       Gender

·       Religion

·       Ethnicity

·       Sexual Orientation

 

 

Knowing these laws helps you exercise your rights and prevent discrimination. If you, your advocate, or your family members are interested in these laws or any other laws that affect your rights, contact your Recipient Rights Officer for more information. Assistance will be arranged for you if you need a translator or other adaptive devices.

 

Your Responsibilities

 

You are responsible for providing clear and accurate information about yourself.

You are responsible for following the rules of our programs.

You are responsible for being considerate of the rights of others who are recipients of service or are staff.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

MB Approval No: 2502 0538 (exp. 04/30/2018)

A h o me in s p e c t io n g i v e s th e b u ye r mo r e d e t a il e d i n f o r ma t io n a b o u t th e o ve ra l l c o n d i t io n o f th e h o me p ri o r to p u r c h a s e . In a h o me i n s p e c t io n , a q u a l i f ie d i n s p e c to r ta k e s a n i n -d e p th , u n b i a s e d l o o k a t yo u r p o te n t ia l n e w h o me to :

E v a l u a te t h e p h ys i c a l c o n d it io n : s t ru c t u r e , c o n s t ru c t io n , a n d me c h a n ic a l s ys t e ms ; Id e n t i f y i te ms t h a t n e e d to b e r e p a i re d o r r e p la c e d ; a n d E s ti ma te th e re ma in in g u s e fu l life o f th e ma jo r s ys te ms , e q u ip me n t, s tr u c tu re , a n d fin is h e s .

A home inspection will only occur if you arrange for one. FHA does not perform a home inspection. Decide early. You may be able to make your contract contingent on the results of the inspection.

An appraisal is different from a home inspection and does not replace a home inspection. Appraisals estimate the value of the property for lenders. An appraisal is required to ensure the property is marketable. Home inspections evaluate the condition of the home for buyers.

If yo u fin d prob le ms with yo u r n ew h o me a fte r clo s ing, FHA c ann o t g ive o r len d yo u mo ne y fo r rep a irs , an d FHA c an no t b u y th e h o me b ac k fro m yo u . A sk a q ua lifie d ho me ins pe c to r to in s pe c t yo u r p o ten tia l ne w h o me an d g ive yo u th e in fo rma tion yo u ne ed to ma k e a wise d ec is ion .

Radon Gas Testing and other safety/health issues

T he Un ite d S ta tes En viro n me nta l P ro tec tio n A ge nc y a n d the S urge on Ge ne ra l o f th e Un ite d S ta te s h a ve rec o mme nd ed th a t a ll h ou s es s ho u ld b e tes te d fo r ra do n. Fo r mo re in forma tion o n rad on te s ting , ca ll th e to ll-fre e N a tio na l Ra do n In forma tion Lin e a t 1 -8 00 -SOS-R a do n or 1 -8 00 -7 67 -7 23 6.

A sk yo u r ho me in sp ec tor ab ou t a dd itio na l h ea lth an d s afe ty te s ts tha t may b e re le va n t fo r yo u r h o me .

It is yo u r res pon s ib ility to b e an in forme d bu ye r. Y ou h a ve the righ t to ca re fu lly e xa min e yo u r p o te n tia l n e w h o me with a qu a lifie d ho me in sp ecto r. To fin d a qu alified h o me in sp ec tor a s k fo r re feren ce s fro m frien d s, rea lto rs , loc a l lice ns ing au tho rities a nd o rg an iza tion s tha t q ua lify a nd te s t h o me in sp ec tors .

1. What does your inspection cover?

The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable requirements in your state if applicable and will comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics. You should be able to request and see a copy of these items ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront.

2. How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed?

The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals. Newer inspectors can be very qualified, and many work with a partner or have access to more experienced inspectors to assist them in the inspection.

Are you specifically experienced in residential inspection? 3.

Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection. If the inspection is for a commercial property, then this should be asked about as well.

4. Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection?

Some inspector associations and state regulations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in the inspection. Other associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of interest.

5. How long will the inspection take?

The average on-site inspection time for a single inspector is two to three hours for a typical single-family house; anything significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection. Additional inspectors may be brought in for very large properties and buildings.

Ten Important Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and age of the house, scope of services and other factors. A typical range might be $300-$500, but consider the value of the home inspection in terms of the investment being made. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality. HUD Does not regulate home inspection fees.

7. What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?

Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector's reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. Most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection.

8. Will I be able to attend the inspection?

This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector's refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of an expert.

9. Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association?

There are many state and national associations for home inspectors. Request to see their membership ID, and perform whatever due diligence you deem appropriate.

10. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?

One can never know it all, and the inspector's commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism and service to the consumer. This is especially important in cases where the home is much older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

451 7th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20410

T: 202-708-1112 TTY: 202-708-1455

https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/insp/inspfaq[7/30/2021 2:17:48 PM]

Ten Important Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

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