Alternatives to NerdWallet for Pennsylvania Home Buying
NerdWallet's closing cost estimates are wrong for Pennsylvania. Here are the alternatives that account for PA's transfer tax, wage tax, and PHFA programs.
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All articles about Pennsylvania First-Time Home Buyer Guide.
Best First-Time Home Buyer Guide for Philadelphia (2026)
The best home buyer guide for Philadelphia covers the 4.578% transfer tax, 3.74% wage tax, Philly First Home program, and rowhouse market dynamics.
Best Home Buying Guide for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (2026)
The best Pittsburgh home buying guide covers the 5% transfer tax, Allegheny County reassessment trap, CLR formula, and school district appeals before you close.
Buying a House in Philadelphia: First-Time Buyer Guide for 2026
Buying a house in Philadelphia means navigating a 4.578% transfer tax, wage tax, MCOCA inspections, and the Philly First Home grant. Here's what first-time buyers need to know.
How to Calculate Pennsylvania Closing Costs Before Making an Offer
Step-by-step guide to calculating your actual Pennsylvania closing costs by municipality before you submit an offer — transfer tax, title, lender fees, and more.
Pennsylvania Closing Costs: Full Breakdown for Home Buyers
Average closing costs in PA range from $8,000 to $28,000+ depending on location. Here's the complete itemized breakdown — transfer tax, title insurance, prepaid escrows, and more.
Pennsylvania First-Time Home Buyer: Programs, Grants, and What to Expect
Complete guide to buying your first home in Pennsylvania — PHFA grants, transfer taxes, regional markets, and the state-specific traps that catch buyers off guard.
Pennsylvania Home Buyer Guide vs Real Estate Attorney: Which Do You Need?
Comparing a paid PA home buyer guide against hiring a real estate attorney. Cost breakdown, what each covers, and when to use both.
Pennsylvania Homestead Exemption: How to Lower Your Property Tax Bill
Pennsylvania homestead exemption reduces your school district tax bill permanently. Here's how it works, who qualifies, and how to file before the March 1 deadline.
Pennsylvania Real Estate Transfer Tax: Who Pays What and How Much
Pennsylvania's realty transfer tax ranges from 2% to 5% depending on location. Here's who pays, how Philadelphia and Pittsburgh rates compare, and what first-home buyers must budget.
Pennsylvania Seller Disclosure Form: What Buyers Must Know
Pennsylvania's Seller Disclosure Act requires sellers to disclose known defects before you sign. Here's what's covered, what sellers can legally withhold, and how to use it as a buyer.
PHFA Down Payment Assistance: Pennsylvania's K-FIT, Keystone Advantage, and More
PHFA offers up to 5% of the purchase price through K-FIT with no dollar cap, plus the Keystone Advantage loan and K-DATE. Here's how each program works and who qualifies.
Philadelphia Wage Tax and Home Buying: What It Means for Your Budget
Philadelphia's 3.74% resident wage tax reduces take-home pay by $311/month on a $100K salary — and mortgage lenders ignore it. Here's how to model your real affordability.
Pittsburgh First-Time Home Buyer: The Reassessment Trap, Transfer Tax, and Local Programs
Pittsburgh's 5% transfer tax is the highest in PA, and Allegheny County's 52.7% Common Level Ratio can spike your property taxes after closing. Here's what buyers need to know.
Radon Testing Pennsylvania: Why It's Non-Negotiable for Home Buyers
Pennsylvania ranks in the top 3 states for radon exposure — 40% of homes test high. Here's how testing works during the inspection contingency and what happens if levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L.
Montgomery, Delaware, and Bucks County Property Tax Rates Compared
Montgomery County property taxes run $8,000–$12,000 annually for a typical home. Here's how Delaware and Bucks County rates compare — and what drives the differences by township.
Title Insurance Cost Pennsylvania: How TIRBOP Fixed Rates Work
Pennsylvania title insurance costs are regulated by TIRBOP — you can't shop for a lower rate. Here's what a $300,000 home actually costs in title premiums and why you need both policies.