This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Home Ownership issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Consumer advisory: Take action when home insurance is cancelled or costs surge
A notice from your insurer dropping your home insurance policy or imposing a dramatic price increase can feel like your largest investment is at risk. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers advice on what to do when your insurers make unexpected changes to your insurance coverage.
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.
Buying a Home
Information and tips from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities on buying a home. [PDF]
Buying A Home - HUD
The homebuying process can seem complicated, but if you take things step-by-step, you will soon be holding the keys to your own home! The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides these nine steps to buying a home.
Consumer advisory: Take action when home insurance is cancelled or costs surge
A notice from your insurer dropping your home insurance policy or imposing a dramatic price increase can feel like your largest investment is at risk. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers advice on what to do when your insurers make unexpected changes to your insurance coverage.
Does HUD Owe You a Refund?
Information and Fact Sheet regarding insured mortgages and whether you may be eligible for a HUD refund or share of any excess earnings from the FHA's Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund. Fact Sheet also available in PDF
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.
Guidance for Homeowners - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
information for Homeowners from HUD.
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.
Homeowners Insurance
A guide created by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to help you understand homeowners insurance. The guide provides information about types of coverage available, some tips on how to shop, and what you should do if you need to make a claim.
Housing Counseling Agencies in Philadelphia
List of more than 30 housing counseling agencies that offer free counseling services to home owneres and buyers of homes in the City of Philadelphia. Eligibility requirements apply.
HUD Home Buyer's Kit
This kit offers information on each stage of finding and buying your own home.
Mortgage and Housing Assistance during the Coronavirus National Emergency
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have partnered to launch a new mortgage and housing assistance website to help homeowners and renters during the coronavirus pandemic. The page provides information on what to do now, and what your options are for mortgage and rent payment relief.
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.
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.
Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund Applicants (PA HAF) Must Re-Register in System
All PAHAF applicants must re-register in PHFA’s Neighborly system to review and, if needed, update their application information. It’s important to understand that you do not need to reapply to the program, but applications cannot be processed until this re-registration step is taken.
Predatory Lending
Information from HUD on predatory lending and what you can do to protect yourself.
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.
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.
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]
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]
What is Debt-To-Income Ratio and why does it matter? (Video)
If you’re looking into buying a house, you’ve probably been hearing a lot of new phrases like debt-to-income ratio or DTI. The CFPB can help you navigate the home buying process and understand any new financial terms you encounter along the way.