Home Is Where The Wealth Is
A National Urban League Housing Campaign for First-Time Homebuyers
Owning a home doesn’t begin or end at closing. It starts long before walking into a bank or calling a realtor and doesn’t have to end at the first home you buy. There are plenty of options available to potential buyers from all walks of life. HUD-approved housing counseling agencies, like the National Urban League affiliates, offer financial education and individualized coaching from certified housing counselors to help prepare you to purchase the home of your dreams.
We will be with you each step of the way - join us on the journey to becoming a homeowner below!
Disparities in African American Financial Literacy
Even though African Americans make a significant economic contribution in the United States, their financial wellness lags behind the rest of the country. Numerous economic indicators highlight this disparity, such as median household income, net worth, and the likelihood of carrying student-loan debt. The reasons behind these financial wellness gaps are complex; accordingly, a report conducted by the TIAA Institute highlights new insights from the TIAA Institute-GFLEC Personal Finance Index (P-Fin Index). LEARN MORE.
Step 1: Dream Big.
Take a second, close your eyes, and imagine our ideal home. What color would your bedroom bed be? Would it have curtains, blinds, maybe both? Would you go with something more traditional or choose a more modern aesthetic?
Your dream home isn’t about where it is or how it looks; it’s how it makes you feel. The best part is, owning your own home isn’t impossible, and the National Urban League can help you get on the path to homeownership regardless of where you start.
Step 2: Get advice + Make a Plan.
The prospect of buying a home can be daunting. Almost every commercial you see or hear mentions pre-approvals, down payments, taxes, interest rates, and insurance. It can be a lot to take in and manage on your own. Still, the National Urban League provides you with free, professional housing counseling to help you weigh your options, sort out your finances, build credit and prepare you for homeownership at each step of the way.
Step 3: Follow Your Budget.
Did you know that in many cities, renting is more expensive than owning a home? However, more often than not, you can get more for your money as a homeowner, depending on your finances.
Step 4: Becoming a Homeowner.
So you’re ready. You’ve done the research, partnered with your local Urban League affiliate for housing counseling, and 
you’re ready to purchase your home. It’s an exciting journey and a huge accomplishment.
Share the excitement with others who have gone through our counseling and came out as homeowners on the other side.
Step 5: Build Your Future.
As a homeowner there is an opportunity to get to know your neighbors, participate in street fairs and have your voice heard in your community.
Visit a Urban League Affiliate Today
Visit one of the affiliate pages to find out when the next homeownership workshop is taking place in your area:
Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
While this program focuses on homeownership opportunities in Buffalo, Chicago, and St. Louis, many of our Urban League affiliates offer comprehensive housing counseling as a part of their housing program. Contact your local Urban League today or reach out to us to find out how you can learn more.
Affiliates Offering Pre-Purchase Counseling
Urban League of Greater Atlanta
Urban League of Shenango Valley
Urban League of Broward County
Urban League of Greater Hartford
Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
Greater Sacramento Urban League
Urban League of San Diego County
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis