Housing Counseling Services

Flagler County is seeking proposals from a HUD-certified Housing Counseling Agency to provide comprehensive housing counseling services for first-time homebuyers and residents facing financial housing challenges. The selected agency will assist applicants interested in Flagler County’s SHIP-funded down payment and purchase assistance program by ensuring they receive credit counseling, homeownership counseling and education, financial education, and foreclosure prevention services.

The agency will be responsible for conducting first-time homebuyer workshops, screening applicants for credit readiness, and providing one-on-one credit and homeownership counseling. Additionally, the agency will assist applicants in navigating the county’s application process, though it will not be responsible for completing applications or certifications. The agency will also offer post-purchase counseling, including guidance on home maintenance, insurance, and financial sustainability to support long-term homeownership success.

Through this initiative, Flagler County aims to expand homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents, improve financial literacy, and promote long-term housing stability.

Flagler County faces significant housing affordability and inventory constraints, particularly for low- to moderate-income households. The County has a high single-family-to-rental housing ratio, with an aging housing stock that requires ongoing maintenance and repairs to remain safe and habitable. At the same time, a high proportion of homeowners are housing cost-burdened, struggling to afford not only their mortgage payments but also increasing insurance and maintenance costs. Additionally, many households have limited incomes that do not align with the rising costs of homeownership or the available housing inventory, making both home purchases and long-term sustainability increasingly difficult.

Challenges for Prospective Homebuyers

Many applicants seeking purchase assistance lack mortgage readiness due to credit challenges, high debt-to-income ratios, limited income, or limited savings. Additionally, with a limited supply of affordable homes, it is essential that these buyers manage expectations, develop long-term financial plans, and prepare for homeownership opportunities when they arise, rather than expecting immediate success. Providing structured homebuyer counseling will help ensure applicants understand the full cost of homeownership, including ongoing maintenance and insurance responsibilities, while also improving financial preparedness.

Challenges for Existing Homeowners

Homeowners who seek rehabilitation or repair assistance often struggle with delinquency risks, making financial counseling a critical first step before public funds are used for repairs. Additionally, rising insurance premiums and stricter underwriting requirements are placing further financial pressure on homeowners. Many insurance companies are requiring major repairs, such as roof replacements or structural upgrades, as a condition for maintaining or renewing policies. Without these repairs, homeowners risk policy cancellations or significantly higher rates, putting them at greater risk of financial instability or displacement.

Given these challenges, post-purchase counseling is essential to help homeowners navigate repair financing options, access assistance programs, and take proactive steps to meet insurance requirements while maintaining their homes affordably.

By addressing both homebuyer readiness and homeowner sustainability, this initiative will ensure that SHIP-assisted households receive targeted, long-term support that aligns with Flagler County’s housing priorities.

By establishing a dedicated housing counseling contract, the County will ensure that:

• SHIP applicants receive timely and tailored counseling services that align with County program requirements.
• Lower-income applicants have structured pathways to homeownership readiness, helping to manage expectations while ensuring they continue working toward financial stability, even when home prices remain high.
• Home repair applicants who are mortgage-delinquent receive proactive counseling, ensuring that public funds are used effectively and that residents have the best chance of remaining in their homes.
• Duplicate benefits are avoided, as the selected agency will be required to coordinate with other local programs, including those funded by the City of Palm Coast, to ensure equitable distribution of services.

Due to the limited availability of affordable housing, it is essential that prospective homebuyers receive guidance early in the process to build financial readiness and understand the realities of the homebuying market. The selected agency will play a key role in helping lower-income applicants develop long-term financial plans, strengthen credit profiles, and prepare for homeownership opportunities when they arise. This ensures that applicants approach the County’s purchase assistance program as one tool within a broader strategy for homeownership, rather than as a guarantee of immediate success.

This RFP seeks to establish a formal partnership with a qualified Housing Counseling Agency to provide proactive, ongoing support for SHIP-assisted homebuyers and at-risk homeowners. The selected agency will be instrumental in guiding residents through the homebuying process, strengthening financial readiness, assisting mortgage-delinquent homeowners, and offering foreclosure prevention services.