FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAMS
Your Path to Homeownership
Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. The good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone, and you probably don’t have to come up with as much cash as you think.
Whether you’re buying in Pennsylvania or Florida, there are state-sponsored programs that can cover part of your down payment, reduce your closing costs, or both — often at zero interest.
AT A GLANCE
Programs for First-Time Homebuyers - PA & FL
MAIN PROGRAMS
Keystone Advantage, K-FIT, HOMEstead, K-FLEX
MAX DPA
Up to $6,000 (Advantage) or 5% no cap (K-FIT)
MIN. CREDIT SCORE
660
FORGIVABLE?
Yes — K-FIT (10 yrs) & HOMEstead (5 yrs)
WHO QUALIFIES
First-time buyers or targeted-area buyers
HOMEBUYER EDUCATION
Required for scores below 680
Main programs
FL Assist, Hometown Heroes, HFA Preferred Grant
Max DPA
Up to $10,000 (FL Assist) or $35,000 (Hometown Heroes)
Min. credit score
640
Forgivable option?
Yes — Hometown Heroes (5 yrs) & HFA Grant (5 yrs)
Who qualifies
First-time buyers or Hometown Heroes workers
Homebuyer education
Required for all programs
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania Programs (PHFA)
Pennsylvania’s first-time homebuyer programs are administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). Most require you to pair them with a PHFA first mortgage (Keystone Home Loan, HFA Preferred, or similar).
— DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE
Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan
BEST FOR
Buyers who need help with down payment or closing costs on a conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loan.
Up to 4% of the purchase price or $6,000 — whichever is less
0% interest, repaid over 10 years in equal monthly installments
Minimum credit score: 660
Liquid assets after closing must not exceed $50,000
Cannot be combined with other PHFA assistance programs (except the Access Modification Loan)
This is a loan, not a grant — you will repay it, but at zero interest. Monthly payments are modest given the 10-year term.
— FORGIVABLE ASSISTANCE
K-FIT — Keystone Forgivable in Ten Years Loan Program
BEST FOR
Buyers who plan to stay in the home long-term and want assistance that disappears over time.
5% of the purchase price or appraised value — no maximum dollar cap
No monthly payments
Forgiven at 10% per year over 10 years — stay in the home and the full balance is forgiven
Must be used with a PHFA first mortgage
— FORGIVABLE ASSISTANCE
K-FLEX — Keystone Flex Loan Program
BEST FOR
Buyers with higher incomes who don’t qualify for Keystone Home Loan income limits but still want forgivable assistance.
5% of the purchase price toward down payment and closing costs — no dollar cap
Forgiven over 10 years, no monthly payments
No first-time buyer requirement in any PA county
Income limit: $204,000 (individual borrower income, not household)
Purchase price limit: $709,300
Minimum credit score: 660
— DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE
HOMEstead Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance
BEST FOR
Lower-income first-time buyers in eligible counties.
Up to $10,000 in interest-free assistance
Forgiven at 20% per year — fully forgiven after 5 years
Available in select counties only (funded through federal HOME program)
Income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
First-time buyer or targeted-area purchase required
Pennsylvania Income and Purchase Price Limits (Effective June 30, 2025)
Limits vary by county and household size. Examples for key regions served by First USA Mortgage Solutions:
FLORIDA
Florida Programs (FHFC)
Florida's first-time homebuyer programs run through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC). All programs require working with an FHFC-approved lender and completing an HUD-approved homebuyer education course before closing. Minimum credit score for all FHFC programs: 640.
— DEFFERED SECOND MORTGAGE
FL Assist – Florida Assist Second Mortgage
BEST FOR
First-time buyers who want straightforward closing-cost help without raising their monthly payment.
Up to $10,000 at 0% interest
No monthly payments – deferred second mortgage
Repeat when you sell, refinance, or no longer occupy home as your primary residence
Available statewide through FHC–approved lenders
— HEROES PROGRAM
Hometown Heroes Housing Program
BEST FOR
Teachers, nurses, first responders, healthcare workers, military members, and 100+ other qualifying occupations.
Up to 5% of the first mortgage amount, maximum $35,000
0% interest, no monthly payments – deferred second mortgage
Repay when you sell, refinance, or move out
Military members and veterans are exempt from the first-time buyer requirements
Income limit is 150% of AMI (roughly $142,950-$185,850 across FL markets)
Hometown Heroes funding is limited annually and has historically commited all funds by late winter/early spring. Apply early – 2025/26 funds were fully committed by February 2026.
— FORGIVABLE GRANT
HFA Preffered Grant / HFA Advantage Advantage Plus
BEST FOR
Conventional loan buyers who want forgivable assistance without a second-mortgage payment.
3–5% of the loan amount as a forgivable grant
Forgiven after 5 years if you remain in the home
Paired with an HFA Preferred (Fannie Mae) or HFA Advantage (Freddie Mac) first mortgage
No first-time buyer requirement in some cases
— LOW-INTEREST LOAN
FL HLP – Florida Homeownership Loan Program
BEST FOR
Buyers who need more than $10,000 and can handle a small additional monthly payment.
Up to $10,000 at 3% interest
Monthly payments over 15 years
Remaining balance due on sale, refinance, or payoff of first mortgage
— LOW-INTEREST LOAN
County-Level Programs (SHIP Grants)
BEST FOR
Buyers in counties where First USA Mortgage Solutions actively originates loans - additional assistance on top of statewide programs.
Many Florida counties offer additional assistance through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program on top of the statewide FHFC programs. These can range from $8,000 to $100,000+ depending on the county and your income.
Pinellas County: up to $12,000 (0% deferred second mortgage, launched May 2025)
Pasco and Polk counties: up to $8,000
Orange County / City of Orlando: separate programs available independently of FHFC
SHIP funding is county-administered and varies. Contact us to check current availability for your specific county.
NEXT STEPS
How to Apply
How to Apply in Pennsylvania
1
Determine eligibility — income, credit score, and county-specific limits
2
Complete a homebuyer education course — required for all PHFA programs; face-to-face required if FICO is below 680
3
Work with a PHFA-approved lender
4
Choose your first mortgage and pair it with the appropriate assistance program
5
Submit your application and close
How to Apply in Florida
1
Check your eligibility — income, credit score, and occupation (for Hometown Heores)
2
Complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course — required before closing for all FHFC programs
3
Work with a FHFC-approved lender
4
Select your program and pair it with the right first mortgage
5
Apply early - especially for Hometown Heores, which can run out of funding by early spring
IS THIS FOR YOU?
Who We Work Best With
Not everyone qualifies for the best mortgage solutions. We work with homebuyers who are serious about finding the right fit — not just the lowest number.
Have already found a home or are actively searching
Whether you're just browsing or ready to buy, we can help you secure the right financing.
Want a mortgage plan tailored to their financial goals
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all loans. Our advisors help you find a mortgage that works for your unique situation.
Are looking for expert guidance, not just the lowest rate
A mortgage is more than a number. We provide clear, transparent advice to help you make the smartest long-term decision.
Understand that a good mortgage is an investment
We work with buyers who value smart, strategic mortgage planning — not just the cheapest option today.