There are programs and agencies that can help. Click the name of the agency to open a page linking that program.
Losing a property can be devastating – especially if it is the family home. While not every situation is the same many have similarities and there are a variety of options available to property owners to try to forestall a property from going to Sheriff’s Sale.
Owners get many warnings that they are in potential danger of losing a property starting with the self warning of missing a payment. Ignoring missed payments and communications from lenders or tax authorities isn’t helpful in this process. We’ve compiled helpful information, phone numbers and website url’s that should be useful to almost anyone facing the possibility of losing a property. Lenders, certified housing counselors and taxing authorities all offer opportunities to reverse the potential loss through payment plans, reduction of mortgage, advice and short sales. All may not be the decision of first choice but trying to save any equity accumulated while you’ve owned a property – or retain the ownership – is possible.
SaveYourHomePhilly Hotline
The SaveYourHomePhilly hotline is the only government-authorized foreclosure prevention program in Philadelphia and should be your first call if you need help to stay in your home. The hotline is staffed lawyers and paralegals trained in housing law who can help you work out an agreement with your mortgage company and refer you to other legal services available to eligible low-income homeowners.
HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country that can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, and credit issues. Click here to locate a HUD approved agency in Philadelphia.
OHCD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Housing and Community Development supports 30 approved housing counseling agencies which offer free counseling services to residents of Philadelphia. Click here to find a housing counseling agency that can help you in your situation.
The Making Home Affordable Program
The Making Home Affordable Program is an important part of the Obama Administration’s comprehensive plan to stabilize the U.S. housing market by helping homeowners get mortgage relief and avoid foreclosure.
PHFA Foreclosure Prevention Information
The Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency has developed this list of resources to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.
Fannie Mae Foreclosure Assistance Resources
Whether you’re a renter, prospective homebuyer or you’re a homeowner struggling with your mortgage, Fannie Mae has developed this site to offer a variety of resources.
Freddie Mac Foreclosure Assistance Resources
If your home is back by Freddie Mac, this link has many helpful tools for you to use in your discussions with your lender.
Urban Affairs Coalition Foreclosure Prevention Resources
The Urban Affairs Coalition has developed a series of brochures and reports that provide useful information about the foreclosure process and the resources available to avoid losing your home.
Frequently Asked Questions about Philadelphia Tax Delinquency
The Philadelphia department of revenue developed this list of answers to frequently asked questions about tax delinquency.
Philadelphia Legal Assistance
Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) is dedicated to providing high quality, creative legal services, advice and referrals for eligible low income people.
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
Community Legal Services (CLS) as an independent 501(c)(3) organization which provides free legal services, in civil matters, to low-income Philadelphians.
