The Close To Home podcast talks about home buying topics and programs. It answers the questions you have on your journey to homeownership. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency representatives outline various home repair assistance programs available to Pennsylvania residents, enabling them to finance necessary home improvements.
3 Jun 2025
PENNVEST - What is it and how does it work?
Roberta Schwalm, PHFA's Manager of Special Initiatives, explains the PENNVEST program, a low-interest loan initiative aiding Pennsylvania homeowners with septic system repairs and connections in this interview.
23 Jan 2024
What Drives the Real Estate Market and Prices
COVID took us away for a little bit but we're back! In this episode we welcome April O'Connell as my new co-host. April is PHFA's Business Development Manager and has 30 years of banking and lending experience. We'll discuss what drives the real estate market and prices. So, take a listen to get an understanding of reasons why housing prices rise and fall to help you make more informed housing purchase decisions.
12 Jun 2020
Where Do I Start?
Are you wondering how to get started with your homebuying journey? Take a listen and find out more about the homebuying process, including what to do first, the different steps of the process, and what to do after you have the keys and become a proud homeowner. Coleen will walk you through from beginning to end.
27 Feb 2020
Types of Mortgages - Part 2
Jason Breidinger, a lending officer with Mortgage America, joins us again to continue explaining types of mortgages and other information to consider when looking at different loan options. Jason can help you answer the questions you may have when mortgage shopping.
27 Feb 2020
Types of Mortgages - Part 1
Jason Breidinger, a lending officer with Mortgage America, joins us in this episode to explain and tell us about different types of mortgages. Jason shares his experience and knowledge to help you figure out what the best mortgage loan may be right for you.
4 Nov 2019
Home Inspections
Ever wonder if you really need a home inspection during the homebuying process or why? In this episode, Coleen will tell you why it's important and what's usually covered. So listen and let us help you get Close To Home.
6 Sept 2019
Home Repair - PHFA Loan Programs Can Help
If you need some repairs done around the house, take a listen as Coleen talks about some PHFA loan programs that could help you get them done. There are programs that can be used when purchasing a home and also programs that can help if you already own a home.
6 Sept 2019
Hiring A Contractor
In this episode, Coleen gives some great tips about hiring a contractor and what should be included in a home improvement contract. So if you're thinking about doing some projects around the house and you need to hire a contractor to get them done, be sure to listen!
10 Jun 2019
More Homebuyer Counseling
In this episode, we'll be getting into a little more detail about homebuyer counseling, including credit scores and counseling requirements to be approved for a mortgage.
4 Dec 2018
What are closing costs?
Closing costs are a big part of purchasing a home. In this episode we'll discuss exactly what closing costs are, common fees associated with closing, what to expect at the closing table and much more.
15 Oct 2018
Home buyer counseling options
In this episode we discuss free home buyer counseling options for help with increasing credit scores, budgeting, general home buying topics, and preparation for homeownership.
15 Oct 2018
Am I ready to buy a house?
In this episode we discuss buying vs. renting, credit score requirements, down payment requirements and other questions about purchasing a house.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
41,897
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
23
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
32
Contact Close To Home
Guest appearances
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