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PHFA Grant ($500)

PHFA Grant ($500) is a grant for homebuyers in Statewide, Pennsylvania, administered by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

Last verified Source: Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

The program asks for

  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Per the underlying HFA Preferred loan: 620 with DU Approve/Eligible (680 for manual underwriting).
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through At least one borrower must complete pre-closing homebuyer education. FICO 680+ may complete online; FICO below 680 requires face-to-face education at a PHFA-approved agency.
  • Available only with the HFA Preferred (Lo MI) first mortgage; purchase only. A separate $300 closing-cost credit is available to borrowers who complete in-person pre-purchase counseling before signing the agreement of sale.
  • A home in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania’s homes

  • 56.6% single-family
  • 18.8% townhouse
  • 8.3% 2–4 units
  • 12.8% 5+ units
  • 3.6% mobile & other

A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.

$254,500

Pennsylvania median home value

67.2%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year.

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through At least one borrower must complete pre-closing homebuyer education. FICO 680+ may complete online; FICO below 680 requires face-to-face education at a PHFA-approved agency..

  2. Contact Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  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 homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Questions about this program

What is PHFA Grant ($500)?

PHFA Grant ($500) is a grant for homebuyers in Statewide, Pennsylvania, administered by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. Borrowers obtaining a PHFA HFA Preferred (Lo MI) loan for a home purchase may qualify for a $500 PHFA Grant applied toward downpayment and closing costs. The grant does not require repayment and must be used toward the purchase. It is available for purchase transactions only (no refinance). $500 grant toward downpayment and closing costs. No repayment required. Available with every HFA Preferred loan (purchase). Statewide availability.

How much assistance does it provide?

PHFA Grant ($500) offers up to $500 in assistance. Homebuyer contribution: Borrowers must put down at least $1,000 (the lesser of 1% or $1,000) from their own funds; remaining funds may come from a gift or assistance program. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

PHFA Grant ($500) is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid. Repayment is triggered by None - grant does not require repayment. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

PHFA Grant ($500) is open to homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. On credit, the program states: Per the underlying HFA Preferred loan: 620 with DU Approve/Eligible (680 for manual underwriting). A homebuyer education course is required, through At least one borrower must complete pre-closing homebuyer education. FICO 680+ may complete online; FICO below 680 requires face-to-face education at a PHFA-approved agency. Available only with the HFA Preferred (Lo MI) first mortgage; purchase only. A separate $300 closing-cost credit is available to borrowers who complete in-person pre-purchase counseling before signing the agreement of sale.

What are the income limits?

PHFA Grant ($500) sets its income limit as follows: Borrower household income cannot exceed the HFA Preferred income limits (Appendix B; 80% of AMI per Fannie Mae guidelines), published as county-by-county tables. 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.

What kind of home can it be used for?

PHFA Grant ($500) can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Manufactured. Manufactured homes are eligible.

Where does it apply?

PHFA Grant ($500) serves homebuyers purchasing in Statewide, Pennsylvania.

How do you apply?

Applications for PHFA Grant ($500) go through Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, 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.

Program terms are set by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.