Homeownership: Illinois

Homeownership: Illinois
Foreclosure Homeownership Assistance Home Repairs Utility Bills Predatory Lending Seniors Legal Assistance

If you have questions about: Buying a home or qualifying for a loan Down payment assistance HUD Homes Refinancing Liens HUD-1 settlement statements Other issues with an FHA-insured mortgage	Contact the FHA Resource Center by calling (800) 225-5342 or emailing answers@hud.gov.
Payoff requests	Use the SMART Integrated Portal to make a request and begin the subordination process (see SMART FAQs & Resources).
FHA Single Family Secretary-held Portfolio Subordinate Mortgages and Home Equity Conversion Mortgages	Contact a Secretary-Held Mortgage Servicing Contractor.

Owning a home is a big part of the American Dream. Here are some resources that can help you buy, maintain and keep your home.

Getting Started

Housing counseling agencies - HUD sponsors housing counselors that can provide free or low-cost advice for wherever you are in the housing process. They can offer independent advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, forbearances, foreclosures, credit issues, reverse mortgages, and other issues. Search online for a HUD-approved housing counseling agency by zip code here.
Predatory lending - Beware of frauds and scams when buying, renting, refinancing, or foreclosing on a home. Don't become a victim of unfair lending practices.

Buying a Home

Homeownership Assistance: Illinois - Resources, programs, and information to help you buy a home.
HUD Homes for Sale - Search for a HUD home to purchase at the HUD HomeStore.
Homes for Sale - Several federal agencies have properties to sell.
Homeownership vouchers - Some public housing agencies can help you become a homeowner through the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program. Contact your local public housing agency to find out if they are participating in the homeownership program.

Owning and Maintaining Your Home

Avoid foreclosure - Don't lose your home; resources and information to prevent foreclosure.
Home repairs - Programs and resources to help homeowners with home repairs and improvements.
Help with your utility bills

Other Illinois Resources

Housing resources for seniors
Legal assistance
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) - Disaster relief and emergency assistance
Health and environmental information - safeguard your home and family
USDA Rural Development Housing Programs
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
IL Housing Search Housing Resources
Skills Training and Job Counseling

If you believe your rights may have been violated or are a victim of housing discrimination, we encourage you to submit a complaint. Because there are time limits on when a complaint can be filed with HUD after an alleged violation, you should submit a complaint as soon as possible. You may file a complaint online, call us toll-free at (800) 669-9777 or (800) 877-8339, or email ComplaintsOffice05@hud.gov.