First-Time Homebuyer Programs in PA & FL: Free Money You May Be Missing
One of the biggest barriers to homeownership is the down payment. Saving 20% on a $350,000 home means coming up with $70,000 — a number that feels out of reach for many first-time buyers.
Here is what most people do not know: you probably do not need 20% down. And you may qualify for programs that provide thousands of dollars in assistance — sometimes as a grant you never have to repay.
Both Pennsylvania and Florida have robust first-time homebuyer programs. Here is what is available and how to access it.
Pennsylvania First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)
The PHFA is the primary source of homebuyer assistance in Pennsylvania. Their programs are available statewide and are administered through approved lenders.
HFA Preferred™ Loan Program- •Conventional loan with competitive interest rates
- •Down payment as low as 3%
- •No first-time buyer requirement (must be primary residence)
- •Income and purchase price limits apply by county
- •Available to first-time buyers and buyers in targeted areas
- •Competitive 30-year fixed rates
- •Works with FHA, VA, RD, and conventional loans
- •Income limits vary by county and household size
- •Provides up to 4% of the purchase price (maximum $6,000) for down payment and closing costs
- •Second mortgage at 0% interest, repaid over 10 years
- •Must be combined with a PHFA first mortgage
- •Available in select Pennsylvania counties
- •Provides up to $10,000 in down payment assistance
- •Forgiven at 20% per year over 5 years — essentially a grant if you stay in the home
- •Must meet income and purchase price limits
Allegheny County / Pittsburgh-Specific Programs
Allegheny County HOME Program- •Down payment and closing cost assistance for buyers in Allegheny County
- •Income-based eligibility
- •Contact the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development for current availability
- •For buyers purchasing within Pittsburgh city limits
- •Provides up to $7,500 in down payment assistance
- •Must complete homebuyer education course
- •Income limits apply
Who Qualifies as a "First-Time Buyer" in Pennsylvania?
In most programs, a first-time buyer is defined as someone who has not owned a primary residence in the past three years. This means if you owned a home years ago but have been renting since, you may still qualify.
Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing)
Florida Housing administers the state's primary homebuyer assistance programs through a network of approved lenders.
Florida First Mortgage Program- •30-year fixed-rate first mortgage
- •Available with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loan options
- •Competitive below-market interest rates
- •Income and purchase price limits by county
- •Up to $10,000 in down payment assistance
- •0% interest, deferred second mortgage
- •No monthly payments — repaid only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage
- •Available statewide
- •Up to $10,000 in down payment assistance
- •3% interest, 15-year second mortgage
- •Monthly payment of approximately $69/month
- •For active duty military, veterans, and surviving spouses
- •Below-market interest rates
- •Down payment assistance available
County and Local Programs in Southwest Florida
Lee County (Fort Myers / Cape Coral)- •State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program
- •Down payment and closing cost assistance for income-qualified buyers
- •Contact Lee County Human Services for current availability
- •SHIP program with down payment assistance
- •Income limits apply; priority for very low and low-income buyers
- •Both counties administer SHIP programs with varying assistance amounts
- •Contact county housing departments for current program details
How to Access These Programs
Step 1: Take a HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education Course
Most assistance programs require completion of an approved homebuyer education course. These are available online through organizations like Framework (frameworkhomeownership.org) and typically cost $75–$125. The knowledge you gain is worth far more than the cost.
Step 2: Get Pre-Approved with a Program-Approved Lender
Not every lender participates in PHFA or Florida Housing programs. You need to work with an approved lender who is familiar with the specific program requirements and can structure your loan accordingly.
Step 3: Work with a Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent
Your real estate agent should be familiar with the assistance programs available in your target market and be able to help you structure an offer that works within program guidelines.
Common Myths About First-Time Buyer Programs
"These programs are only for low-income buyers."Not true. Many programs have income limits that extend well into middle-income ranges. In Allegheny County, a household of four can earn up to $120,000+ and still qualify for some programs.
"The process is too complicated."With the right lender and agent, the process is straightforward. The extra paperwork is minimal compared to the thousands of dollars in assistance you receive.
"I make too much money to qualify."Check the actual income limits for your county and household size before assuming you do not qualify. Many buyers are surprised to find they are eligible.
The Bottom Line
First-time homebuyer programs are one of the most underutilized resources in real estate. Thousands of dollars in assistance is available — but only if you know to ask for it.
If you are considering buying your first home in Pittsburgh, PA or Southwest Florida, [contact Jim Roman](/contact). I will connect you with lenders who specialize in these programs and help you understand every option available to you.
Jim Roman
Realtor — Licensed in Pennsylvania & Florida | MBA | Military Relocation Professional
With 30+ years of experience in real estate, construction, and business — and an academic background including an MBA and doctoral-level study — Jim brings unmatched depth to every client relationship.