<strong>1. </strong><strong>Commitment to Clients</strong>

The primary responsibility of Hope for Homeowners Consulting is to provide high-quality counseling services to existing homeowners. Hope for Homeowners Consulting will act on behalf of a client and observe his/her best interests.

<strong>2. </strong><strong>Client Decision-Making</strong>

Hope for Homeowners Consulting will provide necessary tools, resources and information to assist their clients in making decisions about finances, based on the client’s needs and preferences.  In instances when clients experience literacy or language challenges, Hope for Homeowners Consulting will take steps to ensure clients’ comprehension.  This shall include arranging for a qualified interpreter or translator.

<strong>3. </strong><strong>Competence</strong>

Hope for Homeowners Consulting will provide services only within the boundaries of their relevant professional experience.  Referrals will be provided to clients when essential services are beyond the scope of the individual or company to provide.  Hope for Homeowners Consulting shall be culturally competent in their service area and sensitive to cultural differences and needs.

<strong>4. </strong><strong>Conflicts of Interest</strong>

Hope for Homeowners Consulting will avoid actual and the appearance of conflicts of interest. They will inform clients when a real or potential conflict of interest arises and take all necessary steps to resolve the issue in a manner that makes the clients’ interests primary and protects clients’ interests.  In some cases, protecting clients’ interests may require termination of the professional relationship with proper referral of the client.  Hope for Homeowners Consulting will not take unfair advantage of any professional relationship or exploit others to further their personal, religious, political or business interests.   Any potential conflicts of interest will be disclosed to clients in a written disclosure document.

<strong>5. </strong><strong>Privacy and Confidentiality</strong>

Hope for Homeowners Consulting will respect clients’ right to privacy.  Private information will not be requested from clients unless it is critical to providing services.  Once private Information is shared, privacy laws apply as well as client confidentiality.  Hope for Homeowners Consulting will disclose confidential information only as specified by a valid written consent of client.  Hope for Homeowners Consulting will not discuss confidential information in any setting unless privacy can be ensured.  Counselors will abide by privacy laws and keep information confidential and protected.  Hope for Homeowners Consulting will not disclose clients’ information, including their identity, when responding to requests from members of the media without the client’s express consent.  Hope for Homeowners Consulting will protect the confidentiality of clients’ written and electronic records and other sensitive information.  Clients’ records shall be stored in a secure location and not made available to others who are not authorized to have access.  Hope for Homeowners Consulting will take precautions to ensure and maintain the confidentiality of information transmitted to other parties through the use of computers, electronic mail, facsimile machines, telephones and telephone answering machines, and other electronic or computer technology.  Disclosure of identifying information will be avoided unless specifically permitted by client.  Hope for Homeowners Consulting will dispose of clients’ records in a manner that protects clients’ confidentiality and is consistent with state statutes governing records.  Hope for Homeowners Consulting will be familiar with relevant local, regional and national laws regarding privacy and confidentiality.

<strong>6. </strong><strong>Professional Behavior</strong>

Hope for Homeowners Consulting will not practice, condone, facilitate, or collaborate with any form of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, political belief, religion, or mental or physical disability. Hope for Homeowners Consulting will not use derogatory language in their written or verbal communications to or about clients.  Accurate and respectful language will be used in all communications to and about clients.  Hope for Homeowners Consulting will not participate in, condone, or be associated with dishonesty, fraud or deception. Hope for Homeowners Consulting will not permit their private conduct to interfere with their ability to fulfill their professional responsibilities.

<strong> </strong>

<strong>7. </strong><strong>Payment for Services</strong>

When setting fees, Hope for Homeowners Consulting will ensure that the fees are fair, reasonable and commensurate with the services performed.  Clients will be informed of any applicable fees prior to the delivery of any services.

<strong>8. </strong><strong>Discontinuation of Services</strong>

<strong> </strong>

Hope for Homeowners Consulting will close files and discontinue services to clients when such services are no longer required or no longer serve the clients’ needs or interests.

<strong> </strong>

<strong>9. </strong><strong>Consultation</strong>

<strong> </strong>

Hope for Homeowners Consulting will seek the advice and counsel of more experienced colleagues whenever such consultation is in the best interests of clients.  Consultation will only be sought from colleagues who have demonstrated knowledge, expertise and competence related to the subject of the consultation.  When consulting with colleagues about clients, Hope for Homeowners Consulting will disclose the least amount of information necessary to achieve the purposes of the consultation. Client information will only be shared with other colleagues with the written consent of the client.

<strong>10. </strong><strong>Referrals</strong>

<strong> </strong>

Hope for Homeowners Consulting will limit services to those within their training and expertise and refrain from giving legal, tax or accounting advice unless licensed to do so.

<strong>11. </strong><strong>Integrity of Hope for Homeowners Consulting</strong>

<strong> </strong>

Hope for Homeowners Consulting will work toward the maintenance and promotion of high standards of practice for the industry.  Hope for Homeowners Consulting will uphold and advance the values, ethics, knowledge and mission of the profession.  They will protect, enhance and improve the integrity of the profession through service development, partnerships and active participation in the industry.  Hope for Homeowners Consulting will contribute time and professional expertise to activities that promote respect for the value, integrity and competence of their profession.