RESOURCES
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) plays a key role in expanding access to homeownership by supporting programs that make buying and keeping a home more affordable and sustainable. HUD oversees the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which insures mortgages that allow qualified buyers—especially first-time homebuyers and those with lower credit scores or smaller down payments—to obtain financing. In addition to mortgage insurance, HUD funds housing counseling agencies that provide education on budgeting, credit, and the homebuying process, helping families make informed decisions and avoid foreclosure. Through grants, partnerships with local governments, and fair housing enforcement, HUD works to promote equal access to housing opportunities and strengthen communities across the United States.
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)
PHFA offers access to free homebuyer counseling, education through approved counseling agencies, home purchase loans with competitive interest rates and lower fees, assistance loans, and more.
Local Housing Counseling Agencies
City-funded housing counseling agencies can help prepare people to buy a home. Trained housing counselors offer free counseling on mortgage applications, the purchase process, budgeting, and more.
Affordability Calculator
This free mortgage calculator lets you estimate your monthly house payment, including principal and interest, taxes, and insurance.
Urban League’s Homebuyers Guidebook
The Urban League’s Homebuyers Guide has everything you need to become acquainted with the homebuying process.
Fair Housing Guide for Consumers
A guide developed to assist you in better understanding your rights under the Fair Housing Act, and to increase your ability to recognize the signs of housing discrimination.
Buying a Home in 2023
Freddie Mac and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) offer a plan for homeownership.
Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC)
The Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation highlights several programs that will support first-time homebuyers.
Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs)
Under federal law, lenders are permitted to create SPCPs which extend credit to individuals who would otherwise not qualify or would receive on less favorable conditions.
Tangled Title
When a resident’s name is not on a deed and therefore is unable to demonstrate homeownership, the result is a tangled title.
Financial Literacy
Financial literary is an important part of the homebuying process, and there are a variety of resources to assist first-time homeowners.
