Dauphin County Affordable Housing Trust Fund First-Time Homebuyers Program (FTHB)

What is Dauphin County Affordable Housing Trust Fund First-Time Homebuyers Program (FTHB)?

Dauphin County Affordable Housing Trust Fund First-Time Homebuyers Program (FTHB) is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, administered by Dauphin County Department of Community & Economic Development (Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board).

• Dauphin County's First-Time Homebuyers Program offers a 0% interest second/subordinated mortgage of up to $6,000 toward down payment and/or closing costs anywhere in Dauphin County, including the City of Harrisburg. No monthly payments are required; the full principal is repaid only on resale and returned to the program pool. Applicants complete approved homebuyer counseling and meet 80% AMI limits. Overseen by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board.
• Up to $6,000 toward down payment/closing costs.
• 0% interest.
• No monthly payments.
• Deferred repayment only on resale.
• Revolving pool.
• Rolling year-round applications.
• Funding comes from Dauphin County Affordable Housing Trust Fund (county mortgage and deed recording fees).

How much assistance does it provide?

Dauphin County Affordable Housing Trust Fund First-Time Homebuyers Program (FTHB) offers up to $6,000 in assistance.

• Buyer contribution: Buyer contributes minimum 3% of lesser of price/appraised value or $1,000, whichever is less; liquid assets at settlement may not exceed $20,000.
• The program can be combined with PHFA first-mortgage and assistance products.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Dauphin County Department of Community & Economic Development (Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Dauphin County Affordable Housing Trust Fund First-Time Homebuyers Program (FTHB) is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

• Repayment is triggered by Full original principal due on resale (due-on-sale); subordinated upon refinance.
• The assistance is recorded in Second or subordinated mortgage position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Dauphin County Affordable Housing Trust Fund First-Time Homebuyers Program (FTHB) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Dauphin County Affordable Housing Trust Fund First-Time Homebuyers Program (FTHB) limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• <=80% Dauphin County median (HUD FY2025, eff 6/1/2025): 1p $59,050; 2p $67,450; 3p $75,900; 4p $84,300; 5p $91,050; 6p $97,800; 7p $104,550; 8p $111,300.
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower&rsquo;s.
• The program lists a maximum household size of 8.
• 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?

Dauphin County Affordable Housing Trust Fund First-Time Homebuyers Program (FTHB) caps the purchase price at $224,000.

• Eligible property types include Single Family.

Where does it apply?

Dauphin County Affordable Housing Trust Fund First-Time Homebuyers Program (FTHB) serves buyers purchasing in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.

How do you apply?

Applications for Dauphin County Affordable Housing Trust Fund First-Time Homebuyers Program (FTHB) go through Dauphin County Department of Community & Economic Development (Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board), 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 Fair Housing Council of the Capital Region; Advantage Credit Counseling; PathStone Corp - PA; Tri-County Housing.

2. 2

   Contact Dauphin County Department of Community & Economic Development (Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board) to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Applications accepted year-round; funds distributed as available; approved-but-unfunded held until pool replenished, 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.