A Guide to Housing Resources For the Elderly In Philadelphia

DEFINITIONS OF TERMST T 1-15
TITLE
The legal concept that the homeowner is the only one entitled to use of that property, so that it in effect becomes
"free and clear title."
TITLE I
An FHA-insured loan that allows a borrower to make non-luxury improvements (like renovations or repairs) to
their home; Title I loans less than $7,500 don't require a property lien.
TITLE INSURANCE
An insurance policy which is generally purchased at the time of settlement by the home buyer, attesting to the fact
that a company has "searched the title" to the property, found it to be "free and clear" of any liens or judgments against
it, and will insure the home buyer that no one else has any claim to that deed up to that time.
UNIVERSAL DESIGN
The design of products and environments to be useable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the
need for adaptations or specialized design” (as defined by the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina
University).
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA)
Established in 1903 to administer laws authorizing benefits for former members of the armed forces and their
dependents. Examples of these benefits include compensation payments for disabilities or death related to military
service; home loan and home improvement mortgages; housing and services for homeless veterans; and a
comprehensive medical program involving a system of nursing homes, clinics, and medical centers.
VISITABILITY
Through the use of certain design features, builders and architects can create an inclusive environment to promote
social interaction with persons who have a mobility impairment. In order for a house to be “visitable” by people with a
mobility impairment it must have three basic features: one no-step entrance, an accessible path of travel, and a
bathroom on the first floor with a 34-36 inch clear doorway.