Homeownership First Program

Homeownership First Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Delaware County HOME-funded FTHB DPA administered by Media Fellowship House. Up to $10,000 0% forgivable soft second forgiven at 5 years. Delaware County PA, FTHB, 80% AMI, max purchase price $290,000, mandatory counseling. Delaware County HCD's Homeownership First Program provides HUD HOME-funded down payment and closing cost assistance up to $10,000 to qualifying first-time homebuyers purchasing in Delaware County PA. The program is administered by Media Fellowship House on behalf of Delaware County. Maximum purchase price $290,000 (per HUD HOME 95% area median sales price for Delaware County). The DPA is a 0% interest deferred forgivable second mortgage forgiven at 5 years per HUD HOME rules. Pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional first mortgage. Income range $64,250-$121,150 (Delaware County 80% AMI 1p-8p, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA). Funding comes from Federal and HOME.

Homeownership First Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by 5-year HUD HOME affordability period. If property is sold/refi/transferred or borrower vacates within 5 years, unforgiven balance due in full. Forgiven at 5 years of continuous owner-occupancy. The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Homeownership First 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 required (no ownership in past 3 years), with HUD HOME exceptions for displaced homemakers and single parents. On credit, the program states: Per first-mortgage product (typically 620-640 minimum). A homebuyer education course is required, through Pre-purchase homebuyer counseling required through Media Fellowship House (HUD-approved housing counseling agency) or other HUD-approved agency. Residency requirement: Property must be located in Delaware County PA and used as borrower's primary residence. Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or qualifying non-permanent resident alien per first-mortgage product and HUD HOME rules. Property must be located in Delaware County PA. First-time homebuyer required (no ownership in past 3 years). Maximum purchase price $290,000. Income at or below 80% AMI for Delaware County / Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA (range $64,250-$121,150 1p-8p). Borrower must complete pre-purchase homebuyer counseling through Media Fellowship House or HUD-approved agency. Property must be borrower's primary residence. Soft second forgiven at 5 years of continuous owner-occupancy per HUD HOME rules. Program is administered by Media Fellowship House (HUD-approved counseling agency) on behalf of Delaware County HCD.

Homeownership First Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Income range $64,250-$121,150 reflects Delaware County / Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA 80% AMI for household sizes 1-8. 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.

Homeownership First Program caps the purchase price at $290,000. Eligible property types include 1- to 2-unit owner-occupied primary residence (single-family detached, duplex, condominium, townhouse). New construction is eligible. Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Homeownership First Program names veterans, active-duty service members, reservists and National Guard members, and surviving spouses among the groups it serves. Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Homeownership First Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

Applications for Homeownership First Program go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Apply through Media Fellowship House (program administrator). Funds reserved on first-come, first-served basis subject to Delaware County HOME 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.