Homeownership First Program

How it works

Delaware County’s Homeownership First Program provides counseling plus financial assistance for eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing a property in Delaware County. The county says the program is funded in whole or in part through the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD), and that each program has its own application and participation criteria.

What the money covers

The program provides assistance for down payment and closing costs. The page does not list any other eligible expenses.

Amounts and matching

• Up to $10,000 in assistance.
• The assistance is structured as a 0% interest loan.
• The loan is only repayable upon sale or transfer of the property.
• The loan is forgiven after five (5) years if the property is located in a Revitalization Area.
• Funding is limited, and the county says there is no guarantee that people who complete counseling will receive financial assistance.

How to apply

The page instructs applicants to contact a housing counselor at one of these agencies:

• Chester Community Improvement Project — (610) 876-8663 — http://www.cciphousing.org
• Media Fellowship House — (610) 565-0434 — http://www.mediafellowshiphouse.org
• Affordable Housing Centers of PA — (215) 765-1221 — https://www.ahcopa.org

Timing and deadlines

• The page does not list a formal application deadline.
• Assistance may be limited as funding becomes available.
• Residents of Chester City, Haverford Township, and Upper Darby Township are told to contact local officials to determine whether homeownership first programs are available in their community.