REALTORS^® who serve the first time homebuyer market are guaranteeing future business through repeat buyers or referrals for a job well done. The Association recognizes that it can be a challenge to prepare the first homebuyer for that initial purchase. The housing organizations referenced here have programs in place to assist the consumer in making their first home purchase. A working relationship with one or more of these groups can increase your value to the consumer.

The following are some housing organizations that you may want to become familiar with:

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)

(Click here for website)

Below market rate home mortgage loans are available to qualifying homebuyers throughout the Commonwealth under PHFA's Keystone Home Loan Program. Both new and existing homes are eligible for Agency financing.

211 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
1-800-822-1174

Chester County Department of Community Development

(Click here for website)

The Housing Resources section of the Department's web site highlights a number of programs, including:

	Chester County First Time Home Buyer Program-Assists low and moderate income individuals and families interested in purchasing a home in Chester County.
	Chester County Housing Rehabilitation Program-Helps low to moderate income home owners correct violations of BOCA Property Maintenance Code, Local and State Codes, and the Section 8 Housing Quality Standards.
	Housing Partnership of Chester County-An initiative of the Housing Partnership Development Corporation and the Chester County Department of Community Development.
	Chester County Home Modification Program-Assists low and moderate income homeowners in Chester County with disabilities, in making their current residences more accessible.

	Community Development Block Grant Program-This program enables local governments to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.
	HOME Investment Partnership Program-Created under Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, the major objective of this new program is to expand the supply of decent and affordable housing for low and very low income Americans. HOME seeks to create and strengthen partnerships between government and the private sector, including for-profit and non-profit organizations.
	Countywide Programs-The office also oversees a number of Countywide Programs, including: Housing Rehabilitation Program; Home Improvement Loan Program; Homeownership First Program; and Homeowner’s Emergency Mortgage-Assistance Program. Click here for additional information.

For more information on any of these programs or housing organizations in general in Delaware County, please contact:

John E. Pickett, AICP
Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development
600 N. Jackson Street, Ste. 101
Media, PA 19063
610-891-5425
wessonj@co.delaware.pa.us

The Township of Upper Darby has introduced a First-Time Homebuyer Program funded through the Community Development Block Grant Program. This Program offers up to $6,000 for downpayment or closing cost assistance to qualified buyers. Financial assistance for this program is federally funded. The Federal government sets certain requirements for this program. More information on these requirements, including income eligibility, can be accessed by contacting:

Kathleen Oulahan
Anthony J. Dunleavy Associates, Inc.
7415 West Chester Pike
Upper Darby, PA 19082
610-352-5555

Montgomery County Office of Housing and Community Development

(Click here for website)

The Office's web site highlights a number of programs, including:

	Montgomery County First Time Homebuyers Program-Assists low, moderate and median income households in purchasing a home in Montgomery County.
	Housing Rehabilitation Loan and Grant Program-This program offers low-income homeowners assistance to repair their homes. A household that meets the general eligibility criteria for the program can participate depending on income and household size.

For more information on any of these programs or housing organizations in general in Montgomery County, please contact:

Kathy Phifer
Department of Housing and Community Development
1430 DeKalb Street
Norristown, PA 19404-0311
610-278-3540

Fair Housing Council of Suburban Philadelphia

(Click here for website)

The Fair Housing Council of Suburban Philadelphia is the oldest fair housing council in the country. Founded in 1956, the Council is a private non-profit organization working for freedom of housing in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania. A Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organization (QFHO) as designated by HUD, FHCSP has earned a solid reputation and recognition for its efforts to combat discrimination and assure equal access to housing in a suburban region of over 2 million residents. The organization is dedicated to the idea that all people have the right to live where they can afford to live.

For more information, please contact:

Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

(Click here for website)

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission’s primary role is to investigate complaints of discrimination and to monitor bias-related crimes and tension within our communities. The Housing and Commercial Property Division of the PA Human Relations Commission carries out the following functions for the Commission:

For more information on the Commission, please contact:

Carlene M. Neal, Regional Director
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

711 State Office Building
1400 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
215-560-2496

Pennsylvania Affordable Apartment Locator

(Click here for website)

A free, Web based service that helps renters search for affordable apartments, the Locator can provide individualized reports based on selected criteria. Check the website for entries that include apartment locations, accessibility features, vacancies, waiting lists, and contact phone numbers.