Where do I find a HUD-approved housing counselor in Arizona?

Three ways to find a counselor

1. Search by ZIP code. The CFPB's Find a housing counselor tool uses HUD's official list. Not every agency offers every service, so check the services each one lists.
2. Use HUD's nationwide list. HUD publishes the full list of HUD-approved counseling agencies, including some that counsel by phone or online.
3. Check the list your lender gives you. Under federal mortgage rules, a lender must give you a written list of homeownership counseling organizations in your area within three business days after it receives your application (12 CFR §1024.20).

What a housing counselor can help with

The CFPB says housing counselors can advise on buying a home, renting, defaults, forbearances, foreclosures and credit issues. HUD-approved agencies can also give independent advice on whether a particular set of mortgage loan terms fits your goals and circumstances. For a buyer, that often means:

• Building a monthly budget you're comfortable with, before you shop
• Understanding your credit report and what to work on
• Walking through the steps of buying, from preapproval to closing
• Reading a Loan Estimate and comparing offers
• Learning about local homebuyer programs and their requirements

Are the counselors trained?

Yes. For an agency to take part in HUD's housing counseling program, everyone who counsels must be HUD certified. To be certified, a counselor passes a standardized exam covering financial management, property maintenance, the responsibilities of owning and renting, fair housing law, housing affordability, and avoiding delinquency and default (24 CFR §214.103).

What does it cost?

The CFPB says HUD-approved agencies often help at little or no cost. Ask each agency about fees before your first session. Some homebuyer assistance programs and loan types ask buyers to complete homebuyer education; if you're applying for one, ask the program administrator which classes count.

Questions to ask at your first session

• What monthly payment, including taxes, insurance and HOA dues, fits my budget?
• What should I do with my credit and savings before I apply?
• Which local homebuyer programs might I look into, and how do I check whether they're still open?
• How do I compare two Loan Estimates?

Bring your budget to the search

Once you know the payment you're comfortable with, you can shop by that number instead of by list price.

A free account shows every home for sale that fits the monthly payment you're comfortable with, each with its real property taxes, HOA dues, estimated homeowners insurance, and mortgage insurance when it applies, plus its own closing cost estimate and APR disclosure.

Searching is free, and we never sell your information or pass it to other lenders or marketers. Only Rebel Rate Mortgage, Inc. contacts you, and only about your own search.

Related: first-time buyers in Arizona · how much you need saved · prequalification vs. preapproval · comfortable payment finder · more questions.

General information. We don't endorse any counseling agency; the lists above come from the CFPB and HUD. Program availability changes, so confirm details with each agency or administrator.

More Arizona home buyer questions · Calculators · Homes by monthly budget · All Arizona cities

Sources

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Find a housing counselor (HUD-approved agencies by ZIP code) (retrieved October 29, 2026)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing counseling agencies list (retrieved October 29, 2026)
• 12 CFR §1024.20 (RESPA: lender must give a list of homeownership counseling organizations within three business days of application) (retrieved October 29, 2026)
• 24 CFR §214.103 (HUD housing counseling program: counselors must be HUD certified) (retrieved October 29, 2026)

Frequently asked questions