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. The Sheriff’s Office has compiled helpful information, phone numbers and website 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—215-334-HOME (4663) 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. Contact HUD: Philadelphia at Website: hud.gov
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. Website: phdchousing.org
The Making Home Affordable Program
The Making Home Affordable Program is a comprehensive plan to stabilize the U.S. housing market by helping homeowners get mortgage relief and avoid foreclosure. Website: makeinghomeaffordable.gov
PHFA Foreclosure Prevention Information
The Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency has developed this list of resources to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. Website: phfa.org
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 a variety of resources. Website: fanniemae.com
Freddie Mac Foreclosure Assistance Resources
If your home mortgage is back by Freddie Mac, this agency many helpful tools for you to use in your discussions with your lender. Website: freddiemac.com
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.
Website: uac.org
Frequently Asked Questions about Philadelphia Tax Delinquency
The Philadelphia department of revenue offers a list of answers to frequently asked questions about tax delinquency. Website: phila.gov – Department of Revenue
Philadelphia Legal Assistance
Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) provides high quality, creative legal services, advice and referrals for eligible low income people. Website: philalegal.com
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
Community Legal Services (CLS) as an independent 501(c)(3) organization provides free legal services, in civil matters, to low-income Philadelphians. Website: clsphila.org
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