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.

First - Time Homebuyers Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a homebuyer 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.

First - Time Homebuyers Program is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time" has exceptions here: First-time homebuyer (no ownership of principal residence in prior 3 years). On credit, the program states: Underwriting follows first-mortgage product; no published AHTF credit floor. A homebuyer education course is required, through HUD-approved housing counseling agencies serving Dauphin County (commonly Tri County HDC or Neighborworks); pre-purchase 8-hour education certificate required. Residency requirement: Property must be located within Dauphin County (excluding the City of Harrisburg) and occupied as primary residence for the 5-year affordability period. Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen permitted by HUD HOME rules. Buyer must be a first-time homebuyer (no ownership of principal residence in prior 3 years), purchase a primary residence in Dauphin County (excluding Harrisburg city limits), and complete HUD-approved homebuyer education. Household income may not exceed 80% HUD AMI for the Harrisburg-Carlisle MSA: 1-person ~$52,850 up to 8-person ~$99,600. Maximum purchase price $195,000. Property must pass HUD HQS / lead-based paint inspection. 5-year affordability period applies; lien forgiven pro-rata.

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.

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.

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

Applications for First - Time Homebuyers Program go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served subject to annual AHTF allocation. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.