Does homeownership education and counseling (HEC) help credit scores?

Raising credit scores is often a key element to pre-purchase counseling for homeownership. This study examined the effectiveness of credit counseling within, homeownership education and counseling (HEC), services on credit scores. The pre- and post-counseling credit scores was obtained for 203 clients. Multiple regression analysis found that while client age, step-in-service delivery system after one year and initial credit score were found to be significant variables, diagnostics suggest that the model needs further theoretical work. Policy goals and practice may need to be altered and alternatives to lower the cost of affordable housing should be considered.