Knowledge is yourmost powerful tool
THE JOURNEY
Your 6-step path to becoming Self Sufficient
Every family's timeline is different, but the path is the same. Here's what to expect when you work with SSTO.
Assess Your Readiness
Review your credit score, income stability, and savings. Understand where you stand and what needs to improve before applying for a mortgage.
Build Your Financial Foundation
Enroll in our Financial Education program. Work on credit repair, debt reduction, and building a savings plan for your down payment and closing costs.
Connect with a Counselor
Meet with one of our counselors to create a personalized action plan and identify assistance programs you qualify for through counseling. Complete additional training if required to boost income.
Get Pre-Approved
Work with our lender partners to get pre-approved for a mortgage. We'll help you understand your options and choose the right loan product.
Find Your Home
Search for homes within your budget. Your counselor will help you evaluate properties, make offers, and navigate inspections and negotiations.
Close, Move In & Become Self-Sufficient
We'll walk you through closing day step by step. After you move in, our post-purchase support keeps you stable, building equity, and on the path to lasting self-sufficiency.
Guides & Articles
Building & Repairing Your Credit Score
Practical strategies to raise your credit score, dispute errors, and maintain healthy credit over time.
Understanding Mortgage Types
FHA, conventional, USDA, VA — learn the differences and which loan product may be right for your family.
Homeownership After Purchase: Staying Stable
Budgeting for maintenance, building equity, and protecting your investment for the long term.
Free Downloads
Credit Repair Action Plan
A 90-day roadmap to improving your credit score with weekly milestones.
Download FreeHome Maintenance Budget Guide
Annual maintenance cost estimates and a seasonal upkeep calendar.
Download FreeCOMMUNITY RESOURCES
Community Resources
SSTO has built a resource library to help individuals and families access information related to financial education, housing stability, and homeownership, see below.
Helpful Minnesota Resources
Minnesota Housing
State agency offering affordable housing programs, down payment assistance, and homeownership resources for Minnesotans.
https://www.mnhousing.govHUD Homeownership Resources
Federal resources from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development covering homebuying, counseling, and financial assistance.
https://www.hud.gov/topics/buying_a_homeConsumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Federal agency providing tools and resources to help consumers make informed financial decisions.
https://www.consumerfinance.govAnnual Credit Report
Access your free annual credit reports from all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
https://www.annualcreditreport.comLocal Community Action Agencies
Minnesota's network of community action agencies providing local support for housing, energy assistance, and financial stability.
https://www.communityactionmn.org