Delaware County Homeownership First Program: Up to $10,000 for First-Time Buyers

Overview

The Delaware County Homeownership First Program, run through the county's Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD), helps low- and moderate-income first-time buyers purchase a home in Delaware County, PA with counseling plus down payment and closing cost assistance.

Assistance amount and terms

• Up to $10,000 for down payment and/or closing costs
• 0% interest loan, repaid only upon sale or transfer of the property (or refinance for debt consolidation)
• Forgiven after 5 years if the home is in a county-designated Revitalization Area and you remain in the home
• Available only once per homebuyer

Eligibility requirements

• First-time homebuyer (no home ownership in the last 3 years) or displaced homemaker
• Low- to moderate-income household, evaluated on income, credit history, and assets
• Minimum contribution of $1,000 toward the purchase
• First mortgage must be a 30-year fixed-rate loan at or below market rate, with no more than 3 points and at least 90% loan-to-value
• Eligible properties: owner-occupied single-family homes (detached, twin, rowhouse, townhouse, or condominium) meeting county housing quality standards
• Not eligible: renter-occupied properties, duplexes, and properties in Chester City, Haverford Township, or Upper Darby Township (those communities run their own programs)

Required counseling

Before signing an agreement of sale, applicants must complete 8 hours of group homeownership counseling plus at least one individual session with a HUD-certified agency.

Where to apply

The program is administered through three certified counseling agencies — contact whichever is most convenient:

• Chester Community Improvement Project (CCIP): 610-876-8663
• Media Fellowship House: 610-565-0434
• Affordable Housing Centers of PA: 215-765-1221

Funding is limited and completing counseling does not guarantee assistance. Confirm current availability with a counseling agency. This article is for general information and is not a commitment to lend.