Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan Program

Financial Assistance for Homebuyers in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) offers eligible homebuyers assistance in meeting the upfront costs of homeownership through different programs, one of which is the Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan Program.

With the Keystone program, qualified borrowers are provided with a second mortgage loan to help with down payment and closing costs on the property. Eligible applicants can receive up to 4 percent of the purchase price or market value, or $6,000 in assistance (whichever is less). The assistance loan will be amortized over a ten year term at zero percent interest, and needs to be repaid monthly. The Keystone assistance program can be combined with other PHFA first mortgage home purchase loans, which include the HFA Preferred (Lo MI), the HFA Preferred Risk Sharing (No MI), the Keystone Government Loan, or the Keystone Home loan (FHA, VA, or RD loan types only).

Eligibility Requirements

• All applicants of the Keystone program must have a minimum credit score of 660.
• Assistance can only be used for the minimum required down payment and/or closing costs.
• The minimum loan amount is $500.
• The applicants’ liquid assets cannot be greater than $50,000 after deducting the funds needed to close on the loan. Liquid assets include cash and funds in checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit and similar liquid accounts. Funds from retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, IRAs and pension funds will only be considered if they can be withdrawn without a penalty due to borrower meeting age requirement and/or being retired.

The Keystone Advantage Assistance program cannot be combined with any other PHFA assistance program, with the exception of the Access Modification Loan Program. Keystone Advantage Assistance loans can be used on Conventional, FHA, VA or RD loans. All applicable FHA, VA or RD loan underwriting requirements apply, including loan-to-value and down payment requirements.

Down payment assistance programs and/or grants were researched by the team at FHA.com. Please note that all programs listed on this website may involve a second mortgage with payments that are forgiven, deferred, or subsidized in some manner until resale of the mortgaged property.

FHA.com's compilation is not a complete list, but it can serve as a starting point in your search for the down payment assistance program or grant for your situation. It is up to the consumer to contact these entities and find out the specifics of each program.

Down Payment Grants in Pennsylvania

Beaver County First Time Buyer Program

The First Time Buyer Program allows for a down payment and closing cost assistance grant if an applicant’s income is at or below 80% of the area’s median income.

Chester County First Time Home Buyer Program

The Housing Partnership of Chester County (HPCC) offers low-moderate income individuals and families the First Time Home Buyer Program to assist them in buying a new home within Chester County.

Cumberland County Affordable Housing Trust Fund First-Time Homebuyer’s Program

The Cumberland County Affordable Housing Trust Fund First-Time Homebuyer’s Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program provides up to $5,000 in assistance to qualified first-time homebuyers.

Delaware County Homeownership First Program

The Delaware County Homeownership First Program offers down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible homebuyers. The total assistance is not to exceed $5,000; this will cover up to 2 percent of the down payment of the new home.

HOMEstead Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Loan

​The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) offers eligible homebuyers assistance in meeting the upfront costs of homeownership through different programs, one of which is the HOMEstead Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Loan.

Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan Program

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) offers eligible homebuyers assistance in meeting the upfront costs of homeownership through different programs, one of which is the Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan Program.

Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership DPA Program

LHOP provides down payment and closing cost assistance up to $5,000 as 0% interest loans with no monthly payments. These loans help borrowers meet FHA requirements and purchase homes located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

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