Surviving The Housing Crisis / Resources

HelpfulResources

Tips for Tough Times from the Penn State Extension Experts

• Solution Source
  Find tips on budgeting, family living, parenting, nutrition, and more.
• Financial Security: Managing Money in Tough Times
  Access a complete collection of articles on all types of family stress.
• MoneyWise
  Get resources on how to live well now and into the future.

What Happened to our Housing Market?

• Crisis of Credit
  Watch this short video describing the events which led to today’s housing crisis.

Loans and Mortgages

• Tax Credit Advance Loan Program (TCA)
  TCA provides a federal credit of up to $8,000 for first-time homebuyers purchasing a between January 1-November 30, 2009.
• Shopping for a loan?   
  Use this guide to finding the best mortgage.
• Rural Development Housing Programs
  Find homeownership opportunities to qualifying rural Americans.

Refinancing

• 12 Refinancing Rules Handout from MidPenn Legal Services   
• Refinance to an Affordable Loan (REAL) Program
  Less than 59 days past due on your mortgage payment? You may be eligible for the REAL Program. You can also call 1-800-822-1174.
• Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Mortgage
  Streamline the refinancing of your FHA Mortgage.

Avoiding Foreclosure

• Homeowner’s Equity Recovery Opportunity (HERO) Program
  More than 60 days past due on your mortgage payment? You may be eligible for the HERO Program. You can also call 1-800-822-1174.
• Homeowner’s Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP)
  If you do not qualify for the REAL or HERO Programs and are 60 days or more delinquent with mortgage payments, apply immediately to HEMAP.
• HEMAP Approved Agencies   
• Avoiding Foreclosure   
  Check out this helpful brochure.
• A Guide to Bankruptcy from MidPenn Legal Services   
• HOPE NOW
  Visit this collaboration of counselors, mortgages companies, investors, and other mortgage market participants unified to help families stay in the homes.

Renting

• Affordable Apartment Locator

More Information for Homeowners

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  Find information on buying, owning, selling, renting, renovating, and foreclosure.
• Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
  Find information for Pennsylvania homeowners, homebuyers, and renters about loans and refinancing.
• Here to Help
  Access resources for Pennsylvanians aimed to lower utility bills, provide foreclosure prevention assistance, offer programs for emergency aid, and more.
• Centre County Affordable Housing Coalition