Business Details
Your Trusted Home Loan Partner in Elkins, WV
The HomeOwnership Center is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to empowering residents of North Central West Virginia through comprehensive home lending, financial counseling, and educational services. With over two decades of experience, our team specializes in guiding individuals and families through the home buying process, offering tailored loan solutions, credit improvement strategies, and budgeting expertise. We pride ourselves on our community-focused approach, providing personalized support to first-time buyers, repeat buyers, and those previously denied traditional financing.Our certified advisors and industry-recognized programs, including USDA loans and home buyer education courses, have helped over 1,000 families achieve homeownership. As a trusted local resource, we maintain partnerships with leading mortgage professionals and adhere to strict ethical standards, ensuring transparency and client satisfaction at every stage of the homeownership journey.
Services
Home Loans
Refinancing
Home Buyer Education
Credit Counseling
Home Improvement Loans
Highlights and features
- We serve all income levels with customized home loan solutions
- Our certified advisors provide personalized financial counseling and credit coaching
- 20+ years of experience helping over 1,000 families achieve homeownership
- USDA-approved home buyer education courses with expert instructors
- Partnerships with local realtors trained in our specialized loan programs
Associations and certifications
- NMLS #362854
What people say
Great source of knowledge
Instructors knew information back to front
Excellent home buyer education
Patient and helpful staff
Life-changing experience
Services
Home Loans
We offer a comprehensive range of home loan options including USDA, FHA, and conventional loans tailored to various income levels. Our specialized programs provide down payment assistance and competitive rates for first-time buyers, repeat buyers, and those with unique financial situations. With expert guidance from our licensed loan officers, we help clients navigate the mortgage process from application to closing.
Home Buyer Education
Our certified home buyer education courses cover essential topics like credit management, mortgage options, and home inspection basics. Available in-person and online through eHome America, these programs equip participants with the knowledge needed to make informed purchasing decisions. Completion provides a certificate required for certain loan programs and mortgage insurance discounts.
Credit Counseling
We provide personalized credit and budget counseling sessions to help clients improve their financial fitness. Our advisors analyze income, debt, and expenses to create customized plans for credit improvement and debt reduction. These confidential sessions help clients understand credit reports, dispute errors, and develop effective budgeting strategies to prepare for homeownership.
Home Improvement Loans
Our home improvement loan programs support various renovation projects including kitchen remodels, roof replacements, and energy efficiency upgrades. These financing options help homeowners maintain and increase property value while addressing necessary repairs. We offer specialized loan products for accessibility modifications and major system replacements like HVAC and plumbing.
Refinancing
We help homeowners explore refinancing options to reduce monthly payments, lower interest rates, or access home equity. Our team evaluates current mortgage terms and financial goals to determine if refinancing would be beneficial. We offer competitive refinance programs with personalized guidance through the entire process from application to closing.
People
Kate Somers
Executive Director
Executive Director with over 15 years of experience in housing and community development. Former Program Director for Greater Albuquerque Housing Partnership and Housing Counselor at HOC. Holds a degree in psychology and actively contributes to local planning commissions.
Jami Carpenter
Home Ownership Advisor
Home Ownership Advisor specializing in connecting clients with appropriate housing solutions. Graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College with a psychology degree. Teaches Parenting Apart classes and has extensive human services experience since 2014.
Chris Vance
Loan Originator
Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer with background in real estate closings from local law firm experience. Holds Business Administration degree from Davis & Elkins College. Provides expert guidance through the mortgage process with over 10 years of industry knowledge.
Chelsea Weese
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant with prior admissions experience at WVJC. Attended Fairmont State University and Davis & Elkins College. Focuses on creating welcoming environments and supporting clients through the home ownership journey.
Questions
Do I need a home loan with HomeOwnership Center to attend educational classes?
No, our classes are open to anyone in our eight-county service area regardless of loan provider.
Do you work with all income levels?
Yes, we provide services and loan programs for individuals at all income levels.
What benefits does home buyer education provide?
Our 8-hour courses cover mortgage qualification, credit management, and home inspection basics with required certificates for certain loan programs.
Can you help with credit improvement?
We provide counseling to help you understand credit reports and develop personalized improvement plans, though only you can improve your credit score.
What loan programs do you offer?
We provide USDA loans, FHA loans, conventional loans, down payment assistance, and home improvement financing options.
Do you serve repeat home buyers?
Yes, we assist all home buyers including those purchasing subsequent properties.
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