First-Time Home Buyer Grants in Philadelphia: How the Shaina McAndrews Team Can Help You Get the Keys to Your Dream Home

Buying your first home in Philadelphia is exciting, but let’s be real—it can also feel overwhelming when it comes to saving for a down payment, covering closing costs, and figuring out what grants you qualify for. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone!

At The Shaina McAndrews Team at eXp Realty, we specialize in helping first-time homebuyers navigate the home-buying process with ease—and that includes finding and securing financial assistance through local grants and programs.

If you’re wondering:

What grants are available for first-time buyers in Philly?
How much money can I get?
How do I apply for these programs?
Can I combine multiple grants to cover more costs?

We’ve got the answers AND the expertise to guide you through the process from start to finish. Let’s dive into the top first-time homebuyer programs in Philadelphia and how we can help you get approved and into your new home!

1. The Philly First Home Program – Up to $10,000 in Assistance

One of the best grants available for first-time buyers in Philadelphia is the Philly First Home Program, which provides up to $10,000 or 6% of the home’s purchase price (whichever is lower) to help with your down payment and closing costs.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a first-time homebuyer (or haven’t owned a home in the last 3 years)
Must complete a free homebuyer education course before purchasing
Household income must meet program guidelines
Must purchase a single-family home or duplex in Philadelphia

How the Shaina McAndrews Team Helps You:

Connect you with an approved housing counselor to complete the required course
Help you gather the necessary documents for the application process
Find properties that qualify for the grant
Work with lenders who specialize in first-time buyer programs

2. First Front Door Program – 3-to-1 Matching Grant (Up to $5,000!)

The First Front Door Program is another fantastic opportunity for first-time buyers who need help with their down payment and closing costs. This program matches every $1 you contribute with $3, up to $5,000.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a first-time homebuyer
Must contribute some personal funds toward the purchase
Household income must be at or below 80% of the area median income
Must complete at least four hours of homebuyer counseling

How the Shaina McAndrews Team Helps You:

Find lenders that participate in the First Front Door program
Ensure your application meets the program criteria
Help you find the right property that fits your budget

3. PHFA’s K-FIT Down Payment Assistance – Up to 5% of the Purchase Price!

If you’re financing your home through a Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) loan, you may be eligible for K-FIT down payment and closing cost assistance.

What You Get:

A forgivable second mortgage loan up to 5% of the home’s purchase price
The loan is forgiven over 10 years as long as you stay in the home
No monthly payments required

📌 How the Shaina McAndrews Team Helps You:

Help you find a lender that offers PHFA loan programs
Work with you to maximize grant opportunities (many buyers qualify for multiple programs!)
Assist in securing a home that fits PHFA loan requirements

4. Other Local Grants & Assistance Programs

Depending on your job, income, or location, you may qualify for even more assistance! Some additional programs include:

Live Near Your Work Grants – Offered by certain employers to encourage homeownership near job sites
VA Loans – If you’re a veteran, you could qualify for zero down payment financing
FHA Loans with Low Down Payment Options – As low as 3.5% down with flexible credit requirements

Can I Combine Multiple Grants? YES! Here’s How.

Many first-time buyers use multiple programs to maximize their savings. For example:

Use Philly First Home ($10,000) + First Front Door ($5,000) to cover both down payment & closing costs
Pair PHFA K-FIT with Philly First Home for even more assistance
Use a VA or FHA loan alongside grant programs to minimize out-of-pocket expenses

💡 Every buyer’s situation is unique—our team will help you strategize and stack these grants to get the most financial help possible!

How The Shaina McAndrews Team Helps You Get Approved & Into Your First Home

Navigating these programs can be confusing, but that’s where we come in! Here’s how our team makes buying your first home easy:

We connect you with the RIGHT lenders who specialize in first-time buyer programs
We guide you through the application process for grants and assistance programs
We help you find the perfect home that fits your budget & program eligibility
We negotiate the best possible deal—saving you even more money!

💡 Don’t let the fear of down payments or closing costs keep you from homeownership. With the right guidance and grants, your dream home is closer than you think!

📅 Schedule a Free Home Buying Consultation
📩 Email us at: Shaina@MontCoLiving.com

Let’s make 2025 the year you become a homeowner in Philadelphia! 🎉