Growing Homeowners Initiative (Luzerne County)
Growing Homeowners Initiative (Luzerne County) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, administered by Housing Development Corporation of NEPA (HDC).
The program asks for
- The home is occupied as a primary residence
- A completed homebuyer education course, through HDC of NEPA (3+ homebuyer readiness workshops; one-on-one Homeownership Specialist counseling)
- Residency: Funds used toward purchase of a home in Luzerne County
- Maintain savings plan 90+ days; save 2-3% of price; 3 months mortgage reserves at purchase; attend 3+ workshops; intake with a Homeownership Specialist. First-time-buyer status not specified on source. Verify GHI intake phone before publishing.
- A home in Luzerne County
It doesn’t cover
- Homes outside Luzerne County
These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.
Where it applies
Luzerne County’s homesThe homes in Luzerne County
- 64.1% single-familysingle-family
- 13.1% townhousetownhouse
- 11.6% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 8% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 3.2% mobile & othermobile home & other
$174,100
Luzerne County median home value
74.4%
built before 1980
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Luzerne County
How to apply
How to applyThree steps, in this order
Take a homebuyer education course
Required by the program, through HDC of NEPA (3+ homebuyer readiness workshops; one-on-one Homeownership Specialist counseling).
Contact Housing Development Corporation of NEPA (HDC) to reserve funds
Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.
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 homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Questions about this program
What is Growing Homeowners Initiative (Luzerne County)?
Growing Homeowners Initiative (Luzerne County) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, administered by Housing Development Corporation of NEPA (HDC). The Growing Homeowners Initiative (GHI), administered by the Housing Development Corporation of NEPA with the Luzerne County Housing Trust Fund, helps low- and moderate-income families buy a home in Luzerne County with up to $7,500 in closing-cost assistance (a second mortgage forgiven over 5 years) plus free homebuyer education. Participants maintain a 90-day savings plan, save 2-3% for down payment, and keep 3 months of mortgage reserves. Up to $7,500 closing-cost assistance (forgiven over 5 yrs). free homebuyer counseling/education. matched-savings model. Funding comes from Luzerne County Housing Trust Fund (Act 137).
How much assistance does it provide?
Growing Homeowners Initiative (Luzerne County) offers up to $7,500 in assistance. Homebuyer contribution: Save 2-3% of purchase price (by income) + 3 months mortgage reserves at closing. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Housing Development Corporation of NEPA (HDC) determines any individual award.
Do you have to pay it back?
Growing Homeowners Initiative (Luzerne County) is forgiven after 5 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by Closing-cost assistance secured by a second mortgage forgiven over 5 years; repayment applies if sold or no longer owner-occupied within the forgiveness period. The assistance is recorded in Second position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.
Who qualifies?
Growing Homeowners Initiative (Luzerne County) is open to homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. A homebuyer education course is required, through HDC of NEPA (3+ homebuyer readiness workshops; one-on-one Homeownership Specialist counseling). Residency requirement: Funds used toward purchase of a home in Luzerne County. Maintain savings plan 90+ days; save 2-3% of price; 3 months mortgage reserves at purchase; attend 3+ workshops; intake with a Homeownership Specialist. First-time-buyer status not specified on source. Verify GHI intake phone before publishing.
What are the income limits?
Growing Homeowners Initiative (Luzerne County) sets its income limit as follows: Low- and moderate-income guidelines set by HDC / Luzerne County Office of Community Development (specific limits not published on source). 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.
Where does it apply?
Growing Homeowners Initiative (Luzerne County) serves homebuyers purchasing in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
How do you apply?
Applications for Growing Homeowners Initiative (Luzerne County) go through Housing Development Corporation of NEPA (HDC), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. 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.
Also for Luzerne County homebuyersOther programs open to Luzerne County homebuyers
- The Growing Homeowners InitiativeDeferred
- Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity Homeownership ProgramAssistance available
- First Front Door (FFD)Up to $15,000
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 70 programs for Luzerne CountyProgram terms are set by Housing Development Corporation of NEPA (HDC) and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.