First Front Door (FFD)

What is First Front Door (FFD)?

First Front Door (FFD) is a grant for homebuyers in Delaware, administered by FHLBank Pittsburgh (Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh).

• First Front Door (FFD) is a homebuyer grant from FHLBank Pittsburgh offered through its member financial institutions in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. First-time homebuyers at or below 80% AMI who contribute at least $1,500 of their own funds can receive up to $15,000 toward down payment and closing costs. The grant carries a 5-year retention period secured by a deed restriction, with prorated recapture on early sale or refinance.
• Up to $15,000 toward down payment and closing costs.
• No monthly payments.
• Forgiven after 5 years of ownership.
• Can be combined with other assistance.
• Works with FHA, VA, USDA and conventional first mortgages.
• Funding comes from FHLBank Pittsburgh member-funded voluntary housing grant program (Affordable Housing Program set-aside).

How much assistance does it provide?

First Front Door (FFD) offers up to $15,000 in assistance.

• Award tiers: Two products: First Front Door (FFD, ≤80% AMI) and First Front Door Keys (≤120% AMI, first-generation first-time homebuyers).
• Buyer contribution: Homebuyer must contribute a minimum of $1,500 in personal funds toward down payment and closing costs.
• The program can be combined with Can be layered with other down payment / closing-cost assistance programs subject to member and program rules.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — FHLBank Pittsburgh (Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

First Front Door (FFD) is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

• Repayment is triggered by Repayment of a prorated portion of the grant is required if the home is sold or refinanced within the 5-year retention period; the obligation is secured by a Real Estate Retention Agreement (deed restriction).
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

First Front Door (FFD) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

First Front Door (FFD) limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Household income must be at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI) at the time of registration, as published by HUD for the property location/household size.
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

First Front Door (FFD) can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.

Where does it apply?

First Front Door (FFD) serves buyers purchasing anywhere in Delaware.

How do you apply?

Applications for First Front Door (FFD) go through FHLBank Pittsburgh (Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through At least 4 hours of homeownership counseling (including predatory lending) prior to purchase, through a HUD-approved or FHLBank-approved counseling agency; online options include eHome America, Framework, Fannie Mae HomeView, Freddie Mac CreditSmart, and PHFA online counseling..

2. 2

   Contact FHLBank Pittsburgh (Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh) to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Members submit reservation requests during an annual open funding round; FHLBank processes/approves completed reservations within 10 business days on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. 2026 round opens May 19, 9 a.m. Eastern., and are subject to availability.

3. 3

   Work with a lender who handles the program

   Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.