First Front Door Keys (Keys)

What is First Front Door Keys (Keys)?

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

• First Front Door Keys is the first-generation homebuyer tier of FHLBank Pittsburgh's First Front Door program, expanding access to first-time buyers who are also first-generation homebuyers. Eligible buyers at or below 120% 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 with prorated recapture on early sale or refinance.
• Up to $15,000 toward down payment and closing costs.
• Higher 120% AMI income ceiling.
• Targets first-generation homebuyers.
• No monthly payments.
• Forgiven after 5 years.
• Can be combined with other assistance.
• Funding comes from FHLBank Pittsburgh member-funded voluntary housing grant program (first-generation homebuyer set-aside).

How much assistance does it provide?

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

• Award tiers: Keys is the first-generation tier of the First Front Door program (higher 120% AMI ceiling vs. 80% AMI for standard FFD).
• Buyer contribution: Homebuyer must contribute a minimum of $1,500 of personal funds toward down payment and closing costs.
• The program can be combined with Can be combined with other down payment / closing-cost assistance subject to 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 Keys (Keys) is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

• Repayment is triggered by A prorated portion of the grant is recaptured if the home is sold or refinanced within the 5-year retention period; secured by a deed restriction (Real Estate Retention Agreement).
• 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 Keys (Keys) 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 Keys (Keys) limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Household income must be at or below 120% of area median income (AMI) at the time of registration, per HUD income limits 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 Keys (Keys) can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

First Front Door Keys (Keys) names first-generation buyers among the groups it serves.

• Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

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

How do you apply?

Applications for First Front Door Keys (Keys) 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, via a HUD-approved or FHLBank-approved agency (eHome America, Framework, PHFA, Fannie Mae HomeView, Freddie Mac CreditSmart)..

2. 2

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

   Funds are reserved through Members submit reservation requests during the annual open round; reservations approved within 10 business days, first-come first-served until funds exhausted., 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.