L
ast week’s email from a real‑estate firm caught my eye: a “rare closing” that left a first‑time buyer in South Philly with a house and less than $50 in closing costs. Teresa Nutter, who had been homeless in her twenties, managed to buy a rowhouse for under $50 out of pocket. How? Her agent, a friend who knew her financial limits, teamed up with a mortgage broker to exploit a mix of seller concessions, a special loan type, and a city grant that had been revived in 2022 after a 2020 funding cut.
First‑time buyers often tap government programs, lenders, and nonprofits, but the limited funds mean these aids can disappear. Nutter’s case shows that, even after the grant’s 2020 closure, the city reinstated it in 2022. In 2023, a Philadelphia pilot by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency offered up to $25,000 in grants and forgivable loans to help with student debt and closing costs. That program ended in 2024, yet the broker noted that many other options still exist.
Philly’s deed‑theft problem—where thieves forge deeds to claim homes of deceased owners—has plagued the city for years. A new automated system now cross‑checks seller records against state databases. If a seller is dead at the time of signing, the deed is rejected, cutting a major loophole that thieves exploited, especially on vacant properties.
Other highlights this week:
* A large vacant lot in Port Richmond is slated for 160–200 units, a major addition to the area’s housing stock.
* The former South Philly high school now hosts a 10‑year‑old development celebrating its successes.
* Delaware County and Philly residents feel “abandoned” after the Trump administration cut flood‑protection grants.
* A three‑bedroom rowhouse in Point Breeze sells for $600,000, featuring a roof deck and tax abatement.
* A Gladwyne mansion lists at nearly $8 million, boasting indoor and outdoor pools.
Many Philly homeowners miss out on property‑tax relief. A new tool lets residents enter their address and household details to discover eligible programs. Share it with friends and family.
Home tour: Caroline Patten’s 3,500‑sq‑ft Tudor Revival in East Falls houses her blended family of six. The 2023 kitchen remodel hides appliances behind white panels, with a green tiled backsplash. Artwork, including a street‑artist mural of her son’s name, brightens the space. The backyard patio, built after moving in, serves as a “mini neighborhood” gathering spot.
Photo quiz: Can you name the location shown? Email your guess; winners may appear in next issue. Last week’s correct answer was the University Avenue Bridge/34th Street Bridge.
For more home‑tour videos, visit The Inquirer’s Instagram or Erin Reynolds’ author page. Enjoy the rest of your week.
