Growing Homeowners Initiative (Luzerne County)

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.

• Buyer 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 buyer 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 buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

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 buyers 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.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through HDC of NEPA (3+ homebuyer readiness workshops; one-on-one Homeownership Specialist counseling).

2. 2

   Contact Housing Development Corporation of NEPA (HDC) to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved with the provider 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.