Philadelphia makes the first check unusually direct. The City property search can show whether Homestead is attached and estimate the bill with the program. The record still needs to be compared with the deed, because a refinance or ownership change can require another application.
What does the current benefit do?
The City's Homestead page says the program reduces the taxable portion of the primary residence's assessed value by $100,000. Starting in 2025, most homeowners save up to $1,399 annually. That is the City's published maximum for most homes, not a promise about one bill.
Who can use the general program?
Philadelphia says an owner who lives in the home as a primary residence can apply and that the general program has no age or income limit. The City also recognizes some equitable ownership arrangements described on the application page. The Department of Revenue decides whether the submitted facts meet the program.
When does an owner need to reapply?
The City says an accepted application continues without annual renewal, but a deed change can require a new application. Its examples include refinancing a mortgage or adding or removing a co-owner. A current record check after that event can show whether Homestead remains attached before the next bill is treated as proof.
What can the Reality Contact check provide?
The free check reads one supported county record and replies with what is on file, what the county currently publishes, and which date or document prevents a reliable conclusion. The $19 audit expands that comparison across the supported exemption categories and prepares the county's form fields for owner review. A $49 life-event pack adds the relevant missed-year and life-event forms. The owner signs and files every document.
Where does the operator boundary sit?
This is informational only. Reality Contact, LLC reads public records and county rules. We do not decide eligibility, file forms, represent an owner, or contact the county. The owner signs and files; the county decides. The free read is a real check of one public record. Reality Contact is sampling whether homeowners want this work before buying a longer audit. We reply by email with what the record shows, including a HOLD when the deed or record is not ready for a reliable read. The current source check starts with this published record.