Adams County Homebuyer Assistance Program (Downpayment Assistance)

What is Adams County Homebuyer Assistance Program (Downpayment Assistance)?

Adams County Homebuyer Assistance Program (Downpayment Assistance) is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Adams County, Pennsylvania, administered by Adams Economic Alliance / Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC).

• The Adams County Homebuyer Assistance Program, administered by the Adams Economic Alliance (ACEDC), offers a $10,000 down payment/closing cost loan at 0% interest with no monthly payments to buyers who work full-time for an Adams County employer and purchase a home in Adams County. The loan is secured by a second mortgage and is repaid upon sale, transfer, refinance/equity borrowing, or loss of owner-occupancy. Priority is given to first-time homebuyers, and a $500 administrative fee applies at closing.
• $10,000 toward down payment or closing costs.
• 0% interest, no monthly payments.
• Repaid only on sale/transfer/refinance.
• Manufactured homes eligible.
• Open to repeat buyers (priority to first-timers).
• Funding comes from Adams County Board of Commissioners and Adams Economic Alliance (with Home in Adams County / SCCAP and the Adams County Community Foundation).

How much assistance does it provide?

Adams County Homebuyer Assistance Program (Downpayment Assistance) offers up to $10,000 in assistance.

• Buyer contribution: Minimum borrower contribution: 1% of purchase price or $1,000, whichever is greater.
• The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Adams Economic Alliance / Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Adams County Homebuyer Assistance Program (Downpayment Assistance) is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

• Repayment is triggered by Repayable upon sale or transfer of the property, when equity is borrowed against, or if the borrower ceases to occupy the home as their primary residence.
• The assistance is recorded in Second mortgage lien (ACEDC listed as additional mortgagee on homeowner's insurance) position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Adams County Homebuyer Assistance Program (Downpayment Assistance) is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Adams County Homebuyer Assistance Program (Downpayment Assistance) limits household income to 100% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Median income limits by household size: 1 $72,492; 2 $83,232; 3 $93,672; 4 $104,040; 5 $112,320. Income counted for all adult household members (excluding dependents over 18 enrolled in further education).
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• The program lists a maximum household size of 5.
• 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?

Adams County Homebuyer Assistance Program (Downpayment Assistance) caps the purchase price at $323,150.

• Eligible property types include Single Family, 2-4 Unit, and Manufactured.
• Manufactured homes are eligible.

Where does it apply?

Adams County Homebuyer Assistance Program (Downpayment Assistance) serves buyers purchasing in Adams County, Pennsylvania.

How do you apply?

Applications for Adams County Homebuyer Assistance Program (Downpayment Assistance) go through Adams Economic Alliance / Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Contact Adams Economic Alliance / Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Applications accepted on an ongoing basis; appraisal must be submitted at least 20 days before closing., and are subject to availability.

2. 2

   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.