Resources
Buy? Sell? Keep? Rent? Shelter?
Buy a Home
Want to learn if home ownership is right for you?
How do you know if buying a home right now is the best financial decision? There are many factors to consider including the cost of buying a home, the cost of owning a home as well as your credit score and debt.
There are many local organizations that offer in-person or online homeownership classes, in addition to these classes, here are some resources to help you learn about homeownership:
NC Housing Finance Agency Programs
Sell a Home
Is now the right time to sell your home?
Everyone should be entitled to profit from the investment of their home. Many times, selling your home can generate enough financial gain to give you a head start on purchasing another home or unbury you from lingering debt. But proceed with caution. Make sure you understand the availability and cost of your new residence. And most importantly, make sure you’re getting market value for your home.
You don’t have to drive far in this city to see the various “we’ll buy your home for cash” signs. These investors vary in their legitimacy and their ethics, but ultimately they are all out to make a profit, so don’t expect to get full price or market value when being offered cash for your house.
Contact a real estate agent that you trust to advise you on general market conditions and an appropriate value for your home. There is rarely a charge for this service and you will be better equipped to negotiate with an investor should you chose to do so.
If you are concerned about a potential foreclosure, seek advice first:
Keep Your Home
Struggling to keep your home?
Owning a home can be expensive but it is often one of the most-effective means of building wealth. And the easiest way to reduce displacement is to keep people in their homes.
Durham, NC Programs:
The Longtime Homeowner Grant Program
Home Repairs Assistance:
Habitat for Humanity Repair Program
City of Durham Homeowner Repair Assistance
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency program
Hope Renovations Home Repairs Assistance
Click here for weatherization assistance.
Rental Info
Want to learn about being a tenant?
There's a new rental assistance program in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic called the Hope program. It covers up to 6 months of back rent. Even if you have applied to other rental assistance through the department of social services, you need to apply separately for this.
For more COVID-19 Resources check here.
As a renter, you are protected against housing discrimination and unlawful eviction, and entitled to live in safe and secure housing. In return, you must pay rent as outlined in your rental agreement, keep your apartment clean and not cause or allow significant property damage.
Click here to learn more about renters rights and responsibilities.
Local Durham Organizations assisting with Durham rentals:
Click here for Rental Assistance information
Click here for general financial assistance
Click here or here for an extensive list of housing resources.
Transitional Housing
Just need a roof over your head?
Due to a multitude of reasons, lots of people find themselves in need of transitional housing. Transitional housing is set up to help residents move into permanent and affordable housing and can be for just a few weeks to no more than a year or two. Often, it also includes additional support services such as food and clothing pantries and career counseling. Below are some organizations helping individuals and families in the Durham area.
For more information on these programs and other transitional sites through social services, please call (919) 560-8000 and ask for the Coordinated Intake Program. They also accept walk-ins.