Granite State Independent Living (GSIL), a statewide nonprofit service and advocacy organization that provides tools to assist disabled individuals, has recently become a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. GSIL is the only HUD-approved agency in the nation that provides housing counseling services solely to the disabled population.

HUD-approved housing counseling agencies help homebuyers and homeowners realistically evaluate their readiness for a home purchase, understand their financing and downpayment options, and navigate what can be an extremely confusing and difficult process.

L to R: Taylor Caswell, HUD Regional Director, presents Clyde Terry, GSIL Chief Executive Officer, with housing counseling certificate

Agencies also help combat predatory lending by helping unwary borrowers avoid unreasonably high interest rates, inflated appraisals, unaffordable repayment terms, and other conditions that can result in a loss of equity, increased debt, default, and even foreclosure.

GSIL Vice President of community living, Norma Lemire, says, "Owning a home is the fulfillment of a dream. Losing that dream because of predatory lending practices is a housing nightmare. As a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, GSIL ensures that people with disabilities have access to tools and information to help them make informed homebuying decisions. And as the only Independent Living Center in the nation providing such services, we are a formidable force to counter unethical practices within the housing market which have preyed upon people with disabilities for years. "

Visit HUD's website for a listing of HUD-approved housing counseling agencies.

Content Archived: March 21, 2011