You don’t need 20% down to buy your first home in Pennsylvania. Our free guide explains the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) loan and assistance programs, what it takes to qualify, and a step-by-step plan for buying in Greater Pittsburgh.
Get the free Pennsylvania First-Time Home Buyer Guide
PHFA loans and down payment help, what you need to qualify, a sample first-home payment and a step-by-step plan. Enter your name and email and the PDF is ready right away.
What’s inside
- PHFA Keystone Home, Keystone Government and HFA Preferred loans
- Keystone Advantage Assistance, K-FIT and K-DATE down payment help
- Credit score and homebuyer education requirements
- A sample first-home payment and cash-to-close estimate
- A first-time buyer checklist
Learn more about financing on MyPittsburghCondo.com, or visit our buyer page.
Frequently asked questions
What PHFA programs help first-time buyers in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency offers the Keystone Home Loan, Keystone Government Loan and HFA Preferred loans, plus down payment and closing cost help such as Keystone Advantage Assistance, K-FIT and K-DATE. Terms and limits change, so confirm current guidelines with a PHFA lender.
How much down payment assistance can I get from PHFA?
Keystone Advantage Assistance offers up to 4% of the price or $6,000, whichever is less, as a 0% interest loan repaid over 10 years. K-FIT provides 5% that is forgiven over 10 years when paired with a Keystone Home Loan. K-DATE offers 5% to 8% deferred until you sell or refinance.
What credit score do I need for PHFA assistance?
Generally at least 660 to add PHFA down payment assistance, and homebuyer education is required when your score is below 680.
Can family help with my down payment?
Yes. Most loan programs allow documented gift funds from family with a signed gift letter.
Is buying cheaper than renting in Pittsburgh?
Often it is close. The median lease in our West Penn Multi-List data is about $2,700 a month, and a 3.5% down payment on a $250,000 home runs roughly $2,000 to $2,200 a month with taxes and insurance at today's rates.
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