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© PHDC 2004
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Through the Homestart Program PHDC has completed the rehabilitation of more than
500 vacant, scattered site properties, during the past decade, throughout the City.

The program creates homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers. OHCD selects the properties. Plans and specifications are prepared by PHDC’s in-house staff. PHDC administers the bid process and inspects the work during construction. The properties are marketed with local community organizations targeted by OHCD.

Neighborhoods Served:
Brewerytown
Greenwich/Whitman
Kensington
Lehigh
Mantua
North 20th Street
North Philadelphia Station
Parkside
Point Breeze
South Philadelphia
Southwest Center City
Southwest Philadelphia
Strawberry Mansion
Susquehanna
Tioga

(Income guidelines Subject to change)

See below for other eligibility criteria

For information call 215-448-3139
Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation

Eligibility Criteria
A. Applicant must meet yearly income requirement. Proof of income (current pay stub, SSI award letter, etc.) must be presented at time of application.
B. Applicant must have good employment, credit and rental reports (without a history of slow payment) to secure a mortgage. Failure to disclose all credit history may disqualify the applicant.
C. Applicant must have available sufficient cash assets to make property settlement. Upon notification of selection, the applicant must present proof of an established bank account with a minimum of $500 before the Agreement of Sale can be signed. This minimum will be considered a deposit toward a down payment and the prepayable costs.
D. Applicant must have sufficient cash assets to maintain fire insurance, water and sewer rents and real estate taxes.
E. Applicant cannot currently own residential property or have owned property in the past three years.
F. Applicant is required to occupy and reside in property for 15 years.
G. If purchasing for cash, the applicant must present documentation of the original source of funds proposed to be used.

Application Process
A. Expression of Interest forms are available from: Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, 1234 Market St., 17th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, 215-448-3139 and on this website click here
B. Up to five qualified applicants will be selected for interviews for each property.
C. Applicants will be notified by letter of appointment date and required documentation. At the time of your interview, bring a non-refundable money order in the amount of $25 to cover the cost of a credit report.
D. Failure to disclose all credit history may result in the disqualification of the applicant.

Selection Process
Selection usually occurs within 90 days from the date of application. Applicants are selected according to the following criteria:
A. Applicant must meet income criteria (see chart above).
B. Applicant's income must be sufficient to meet the expense of the property requested.
C. Applicant must have demonstrated ability to manage personal finances.
D. Primary consideration will be given to applicants who have good credit, rental and employment histories, along with an established savings account with a minimum of $500 and the ability to make escrow toward the down payment.
E. If purchasing for cash, prior to selection, the applicant must present documentation of the original source of funds proposed to be used.

It is the policy of the City of Philadelphia to provide services without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, having AIDS or being perceived to have AIDS, national origin, ancestry, physical handicap or age.

06/20/08