First - Time Homebuyers Program

What is First - Time Homebuyers Program?

First - Time Homebuyers Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.

• The Dauphin County Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) First-Time Homebuyers Program provides up to $5,000 in down-payment and closing-cost assistance to income-qualified first-time homebuyers purchasing a primary residence in Dauphin County, PA (outside Harrisburg city limits). The program is funded by the County's recording-fee Affordable Housing Trust Fund and HUD HOME pass-through dollars. Assistance is a 0% interest deferred / forgivable second mortgage with a 5-year affordability period. The program imposes a $195,000 maximum purchase price, which is among the lowest cap of any PA county DPA program.
• Up to $5,000 in down-payment and closing-cost assistance for first-time homebuyers purchasing a primary residence in Dauphin County (excluding the City of Harrisburg, which has its own program). Provided as a 0% interest deferred / forgivable second mortgage funded by the Dauphin County Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Maximum purchase price $195,000.
• Funding comes from Local Affordable Housing Trust Fund, HOME, and Local Government.

Do you have to pay it back?

First - Time Homebuyers Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

• Repayment is triggered by Forgiven pro-rata over a 5-year affordability period and balance due if buyer sells, refinances with cash-out, transfers title, or ceases primary-residence status during the affordability period.
• The assistance is recorded in 2 position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

First - Time Homebuyers Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

First - Time Homebuyers Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Household income at or below 80% Harrisburg-Carlisle MSA AMI: 1-person ~$52,850; 4-person ~$75,500; 8-person ~$99,600. Limits updated annually by HUD.
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’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?

First - Time Homebuyers Program caps the purchase price at $195,000.

• Eligible property types include Single-family detached, Townhouse, and Condominium.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

First - Time Homebuyers Program serves buyers purchasing in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.

How do you apply?

Applications for First - Time Homebuyers Program go through the administering agency, 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 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies serving Dauphin County (commonly Tri County HDC or Neighborworks); pre-purchase 8-hour education certificate required..

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served subject to annual AHTF allocation., 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.