Housing and Homeownership

Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF)

The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund, or PAHAF, is a housing-related program funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to assist Pennsylvania homeowners facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic that began after January 21, 2020, (including a hardship that began before January 21, 2020, and continued after that date). The program will provide financial assistance to homeowners for qualified mortgage and housing-related expenses to address delinquency and avoid default, foreclosure, or displacement.

Tangled Title

A tangled title exists when the current occupant of the house is not on the deed, but believes themselves to be the owner. Learn about other indicators of a tangled title and why the title issue should be fixed.

Frequently Asked Questions - Making Home Affordable Program

FAQ on the Making Home Affordable Program which offers two different potential solutions for borrowers: (1) refinancing mortgage loans, through the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), and (2) modifying mortgage loans, through the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP).

Get Answers - Mortgage Assistance from Making Home Affordable

Information from Federal Making Homes Affordable Program about how to get mortgage assistance.

Making Home Affordable.gov

This website provides homeowners with detailed information about the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) and the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), along with self-assessment tools and calculators to empower borrowers with the resources they need to determine whether they might be eligible for a modification or a refinance under the Obama Administration's program. Through this website, borrowers can also connect with free counseling resources and access other useful tools and information.

Making Home Affordable (Video)

Video about the Making Home Affordable program of the U.S. Government. For more information on the Making Home Affordable program, and to see if you quality, visit http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov or contact the Homeowners HOPE Hotline at (888) 995-HOPE.

Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program Counseling Agencies

Listing of Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) Counseling Agencies. Counseling agencies prepare applications and forward information to PHFA for processing. [PDF]

Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP)

Information on the Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. This is a unique loan program designed to protect citizens who, through no fault of their own, are financially unable to make their mortgage payments and are in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure.

Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF)

The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund, or PAHAF, is a housing-related program funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to assist Pennsylvania homeowners facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic that began after January 21, 2020, (including a hardship that began before January 21, 2020, and continued after that date). The program will provide financial assistance to homeowners for qualified mortgage and housing-related expenses to address delinquency and avoid default, foreclosure, or displacement.

Save Your Home Philly Hotline

For help with home mortgages, sheriff sales, tangled titles, or mediation scheduled through the Eviction Diversion program call the Save Your Home Philly Hotline at 215-334-HOME (4663) between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Outside of these hours, callers can leave a message and get a call back from a housing advocate. The Hotline provides advice, brief service, and connects thousands of callers to housing counselors each year. More information at the link.

Save Your Home Philly Hotline

For help with home mortgages, sheriff sales, tangled titles, or mediation scheduled through the Eviction Diversion program call the Save Your Home Philly Hotline at 215-334-HOME (4663) between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Outside of these hours, callers can leave a message and get a call back from a housing advocate. The Hotline provides advice, brief service, and connects thousands of callers to housing counselors each year. More information at the link.

SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (1-877-727-7529)

The statewide toll-free SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (877-727-7529) - provides free legal advice, information and referrals by telephone for all Pennsylvania seniors 60 and over.

Quiet Title Packet (Fraudulent Conveyance)

Information and Forms to bring a Quiet Title action in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County. This type of action establishs a party's title to real property against anyone and everyone, and thus "quiets" any challenges or claims to the title. [PDF]

Legal Services and Disaster Assistance for Older Adults

Legal aid organizations are quickly mobilizing to help older adults impacted by recent hurricanes, wildfires, and volcanoes. Older adults are at increased risk of disease and death during disasters due to a higher prevalence of chronic conditions, physical disability, cognitive impairment, and other functional limitations. Here is infomation from the National Center on Law & Elder Rights on several resources are available to legal aid programs looking to help older adults during and after a disaster.

Quick Tips to Help Older Homeowners Access Insurance Benefits after a Disaster

Older adults living in communities impacted by natural disasters will need financial assistance and other resources to quickly rebuild and repair their homes. After the older adult has secured personal safety and assessed the condition of the home, the process of recovery usually begins with filing a claim with an insurance company. The filing of insurance claims for losses, including homeowner, flood, health and auto, is necessary to receive other federal benefits. Here are some quick tips for advocates advising older homeowners filing insurance claims.

The Dangers of Rent-to-Own Agreements (Video)

This video from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia explains some potential problems that may present themselves in a Rent-to-Own arrangement to purchase a house, whereby you live in the house as a tenant, pay rent each month, and have the rent count toward the purchase of the property.

What You Should Know About Your House When You Enter a Nursing Home or Receive Care at Home

This brochure is for anyone who owns a home and may receive Medical Assistance to pay for their care in a nursing home or in the community.

Avoiding Predatory Lending Practices (Video)

Three-part video series from Northwestern Legal Services' "Access to Justice" cable access television show broadcast on Erie Cablevision (Channel 2) in Erie, PA. Avoiding Predatory Lending Practices in Pennsylvania, with Dave Pesch, Housing Counseling Programs Manager at St. Martin's Center in Erie, PA and Maggie Schuetz, Staff Attorney with Community Justice Project, Pittsburgh, PA. Recorded February 14, 2008.

Need help paying your property taxes in Philadelphia? Consider a Current Year Installment Plan! (Video)

Video from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia explaining program from the City of Philadelphia that lets you pay your annual property tax bill in affordable monthly payments, and any interest or penalties on the taxes will be forgiven by the City if you complete your payment plan on time.

Save Your Home Philly Hotline

For help with home mortgages, sheriff sales, tangled titles, or mediation scheduled through the Eviction Diversion program call the Save Your Home Philly Hotline at 215-334-HOME (4663) between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Outside of these hours, callers can leave a message and get a call back from a housing advocate. The Hotline provides advice, brief service, and connects thousands of callers to housing counselors each year. More information at the link.

Tangled Title

A tangled title exists when the current occupant of the house is not on the deed, but believes themselves to be the owner. Learn about other indicators of a tangled title and why the title issue should be fixed.

The Philadelphia Property Tax Handbook

This manual from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia is designed to guide Philadelphians, including taxpayers, tax professionals, and non-profit agencies, about the various tax relief programs that are available to help those who are struggling to pay their property taxes. It compiles the applications, instructions, and statutory provisions for each of these programs and provides a user-friendly summary of the most essential information.

Buying a Home

Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF]

Buying a Home

Information from Erie County Bar Association on the basic steps involved in buying a home.

Land Contracts

Information from the Erie County Bar Association on land contracts - installment sale agreements for the sale of real estate.

Land Disputes with Neighbors

Information from the Erie County Bar Association on common land disputes between neighbors.

Selling a Home

Information from the Erie County Bar Association you should know when planning to sell your home.

Shared Ownership of Land

Information on the shared ownership of land from the Erie County Bar Association.

Living Trusts

This publication from the Erie County Bar Association outlines what a living trust is, who needs one, advantages and disadvantages of having one, as well as myths and scams involving living trusts. (February 2019)

Zoning

Information from the Erie County Bar Association on zoning laws that might affect your home or neighborhood.

SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (1-877-727-7529)

The statewide toll-free SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (877-727-7529) - provides free legal advice, information and referrals by telephone for all Pennsylvania seniors 60 and over.

The Deed to Your Home

Information from SeniorLAW Center (Philadelphia) on what you need to know about your deed. [PDF]

The Home Repair Contract

A Senior Citizen's Guide to Home Repair from the SeniorLAW Center (Philadelphia). [PDF]

A Reverse Mortgage Primer: Consumer Debt Advice from NCLC

This article focuses on reverse mortgages, including: who should consider a reverse mortgage; how reverse mortgages work; the foreclosure risks; the impact on spouses, partners, and heirs; and whether taking out a reverse mortgage is a good idea.

Area Agencies on Aging

Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is the front door for aging services in your community. Your AAA is staffed with skilled workers who can provide information about services and also assist in obtaining access to those services. Use this finder to locate the specific Area Agency on Aging that covers your county.

Buying a Home

Information and tips from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities on buying a home. [PDF]

Shopping for a Mortgage

Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities on shopping for a mortgage to finance or re-finance your home. [PDF]

Guidance for Homeowners - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

information for Homeowners from HUD.

Homeowners Insurance

Information and resources from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to help answer your questions and help you understand your options regarding Homeowners Insurance.

PA Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program

Overview of programs from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue including information on property tax relief; rebate estimate calculator; commonly asked questions; as well as downloadable forms and instruction booklet. Claimants or spouses 65 years of age or older; widows or widowers 50 years of age or older; and permanently disabled 18 years of age or older may qualify.

About Reverse Mortgages for Seniors (HECM- Home Equity Conversion Mortgages)

If you are a homeowner age 62 or older and have paid off your mortgage or paid down a considerable amount, and are currently living in the home, you may participate in FHA's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program. This is information from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on HECM, FHA's reverse mortgage program that enables you to withdraw a portion of your home's equity.

FHA Reverse Mortgages (HECMs) for Seniors

Information about the FHA's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program. The HECM is FHA's reverse mortgage program that enables you to withdraw a portion of your home's equity.

Reverse Mortgages: Are They for You?

This Consumer Advisory, issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, is designed to help you better understand reverse mortgages. Reverse mortgages are complex loans and are secured by your home. It is important to understand the terms, risks, and costs before you sign a reverse mortgage contract. Make sure to consider alternatives to reverse mortgages.

Understanding Reverse Mortgages

If you are a homeowner age 62 or older looking for money to supplement your retirement income, pay for medical expenses or home improvements, pay off your current mortgage or buy a new home, you may be considering a reverse mortgage. Here is some information about Reverse Mortgages from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. [PDF]

Deceptive Home Improvement Contractors Complaints

Homeowners Energy Efficiency Loan Program (HEELP)

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency provides the Homeowners Energy Efficiency Loan Program (HEELP) that offers loans between $1,000 and $10,000 for specific energy efficiency repairs at a fixed-rate of one percent (1%) for ten years with no prepayment penalties.

Avoiding Foreclosure

Information from HUD on programs that can help property owners avoid losing their homes because of delinquent payments.

Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program Counseling Agencies

Listing of Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) Counseling Agencies. Counseling agencies prepare applications and forward information to PHFA for processing. [PDF]

Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP)

Information on the Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. This is a unique loan program designed to protect citizens who, through no fault of their own, are financially unable to make their mortgage payments and are in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure.

HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies in Pennsylvania

HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues, and reverse mortgages. A list of agencies in Pennsylvania is provided here.

Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure

Tips from HUD on how to avoid foreclosure of your home.

CARES Act Mortgage Forbearance: What You Need to Know (Video)

If you are experiencing difficulty making on-time mortgage payments due to the national coronavirus emergency, forbearance may be an option for you. Learn more in this video from the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.

Legal Services and Disaster Assistance for Older Adults

Legal aid organizations are quickly mobilizing to help older adults impacted by recent hurricanes, wildfires, and volcanoes. Older adults are at increased risk of disease and death during disasters due to a higher prevalence of chronic conditions, physical disability, cognitive impairment, and other functional limitations. Here is infomation from the National Center on Law & Elder Rights on several resources are available to legal aid programs looking to help older adults during and after a disaster.

PA Courts Public Access Policy - Filing Requirements in the Courts (Video)

Effective on January 6, 2018, a new Public Access Policy is in effect in Pennsylvania Courts. This policy imposes requirements on anyone filing court documents in the trial and appellate courts to safeguard information in the documents they file. The Pennsylvania Courts have released this series of videos that explain the judiciary’s new policy for protecting confidential information and the required steps you must take to protect that information when filing documents in the courts.

Predatory Lending

Information from HUD on predatory lending and what you can do to protect yourself.

Preserving Access to Utility Service

Utility service is a necessity of life, yet many families and individuals struggle to stay current with their utility service. This tip sheet from the National Center on Law & Elder Rights lists steps that can help households keep the utilities on.

Quick Tips to Help Older Homeowners Access Insurance Benefits after a Disaster

Older adults living in communities impacted by natural disasters will need financial assistance and other resources to quickly rebuild and repair their homes. After the older adult has secured personal safety and assessed the condition of the home, the process of recovery usually begins with filing a claim with an insurance company. The filing of insurance claims for losses, including homeowner, flood, health and auto, is necessary to receive other federal benefits. Here are some quick tips for advocates advising older homeowners filing insurance claims.

Reverse Mortgages: Know Before You Owe (Video)

This video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides an overview of reverse mortgages for older consumers and their families. You’ll learn how reverse mortgages work and what issues you should consider before applying for one.

Your Step-by-Step Mortgage Guide - From Application to Closing

Information from Freddie Mac for you to consider as you enter into a mortgage.

Figuring Out FEMA

“Figuring Out FEMA,” a pocket-sized visual resource for disaster survivors. The guide makes complex information about the Federal Emergency Management Agency accessible to people who need the assistance of the agency.

Legal Assistance Program for Tenants and Homeowners in Pittsburgh

The Legal Assistance Program (LAP) of the Urban Development Program of Pittsburgh provides a variety of free housing legal services to eligible tenants and homeowners who live in the City of Pittsburgh. Income limits apply for services.

Lancaster County: Judge Henry S. Kenderdine Jr. Self Help Center

The Lancaster County Court Self Help Center opened in July, 2004. The main purpose of the Center is to provide one central location where self-represented litigants can obtain some of the information and forms that they may need to represent themselves in certain types of court actions.

The Philadelphia Property Tax Handbook

This manual from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia is designed to guide Philadelphians, including taxpayers, tax professionals, and non-profit agencies, about the various tax relief programs that are available to help those who are struggling to pay their property taxes. It compiles the applications, instructions, and statutory provisions for each of these programs and provides a user-friendly summary of the most essential information.