The Client Assessment Checklist is a practical tool that helps housing advisors determine whether a factory-built home is a good fit for their clients. Developed by Next Step Network, this checklist guides counselors through key conversations around budget, credit readiness, financing options, land placement, and home selection—ensuring clients are informed, prepared, and positioned for long-term housing success.
The checklist supports counselors in assessing both financial readiness and personal goals, and introduces trusted resources such as federal loan programs, down payment assistance tools, and consumer education materials.
What This Checklist Covers
- Reviewing household income, budget, and credit readiness
- Understanding mortgage affordability and loan types (land-home vs. home-only)
- Assessing down payment savings and access to assistance programs
- Discussing the benefits and costs of factory-built homes
- Evaluating land ownership, land-lease communities, and placement considerations
- Supporting clients through home selection and addressing common concerns
How to Use This Resource
Housing counselors can use this checklist during one-on-one counseling sessions or workshops to structure conversations, identify readiness gaps, and connect clients to additional Next Step tools and trusted financing resources.