Compare programs, assistance, and costs across Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey & Maryland — all in one place.
Melanie A. Costa · RE/MAX Prime Real Estate · (484) 437-5421
Pennsylvania is one of the best states in the nation for first-time homebuyers — offering generous PHFA programs, county-level assistance that stacks on top of state programs, and a First Front Door Grant that provides up to $20,000 that does not need to be repaid.
Anyone who has not owned a home as their primary residence in the past 3 years. Veterans and buyers in target areas may qualify regardless of prior ownership history.
30-year fixed-rate mortgage available as conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA. The foundation loan that qualifies you for additional PHFA assistance.
Minimum credit score 660 for PHIF-insured; 620 for others
Minimum 3% down conventional; 3.5% FHA
Income and purchase price limits vary by county
Zero-interest second mortgage of up to 4% of purchase price for down payment or closing costs. Repaid over 10 years — no additional monthly payment.
Minimum credit score 660
Liquid assets cannot exceed $50,000 after closing
Zero-interest second mortgage forgiven at 20% per year — fully forgiven after 5 years in your home.
Must meet income limits and purchase eligible property
Must pair with a PHFA first mortgage
A true grant — not a loan — of up to $15,000 when you contribute just $1,500 of your own funds. Opens May 19, 2026 — funds run out fast.
Does not need to be repaid if program rules are followed
Household income at or below 80% of area median income
Minimum 4 hours of homeownership counseling required
For first-generation and minority first-time buyers — up to $20,000 in grant funds with a minimum $1,000 contribution. Opens April 7, 2026.
First-generation homebuyers and minority buyers
Income at or below 120% of area median income
Apply for the First Front Door Grant the moment funding opens — it runs out within days every year. Melanie will connect you with a participating lender and make sure you're ready to apply immediately when the window opens.
Delaware is one of the most financially advantageous states for first-time buyers in the entire Northeast — combining DSHA assistance programs with the lowest property taxes in the region, no state sales tax, and an annual federal tax credit that saves money every year for as long as you hold the mortgage.
No state sales tax — saves money on appliances, furniture, and everyday purchases
Lowest property taxes in the Northeast — often $1,000–$3,000/year less than comparable PA or NJ properties
Annual federal MCC tax credit — up to $2,000 every single year
Anyone who has not owned a home as their primary residence in the past 3 years. Veterans may qualify regardless. Some DSHA programs are available to repeat buyers as well.
Delaware's flagship 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at or below standard market rates. Foundation loan for all DSHA assistance programs.
Minimum credit score 620
Works with conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA
Zero-interest forgivable second loan available to first-time AND repeat buyers at 80% or below area median income. Forgiven 10% per year over 10 years.
Maximum home sales price of $285,000
Available to both first-time AND repeat buyers
Delaware's most generous DPA — for essential workers including veterans, educators, healthcare workers, first responders, grocery workers, and state employees.
Forgiven after 10 years as primary residence
Zero interest — no monthly payments
Zero-interest forgivable second loan covering 4% of purchase price. No monthly payments — repaid only upon sale, refinance, or title transfer.
Annual federal income tax credit of up to 35% of mortgage interest paid — maximum $2,000 per year — for every year you hold the mortgage. Must enroll before closing.
Over 20 years this can save $30,000–$40,000 in federal taxes
Must be enrolled BEFORE closing — cannot apply after purchase
Many buyers from PA and NJ never consider Delaware — meaning less competition for better value. Ask Melanie to run a side-by-side cost comparison showing exactly how much Delaware saves you annually versus a comparable PA or NJ property.
New Jersey offers some of the most generous first-time buyer assistance in the region through NJHMFA — up to $22,000 in combined down payment and closing cost assistance. South Jersey communities offer direct access to Philadelphia via bridge crossings and PATCO rail service.
Anyone who has not owned a home as their primary residence in the past 3 years. Buyers in urban target areas and veterans may qualify with relaxed requirements.
New Jersey's 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage at competitive interest rates — the foundation loan for all NJHMFA assistance programs.
Minimum credit score 620
Income and purchase price limits apply by county
Up to $22,000 in zero-interest down payment and closing cost assistance — the most generous DPA program in the 4-state region. Repaid when you sell, refinance, or no longer occupy the home.
Must pair with NJHMFA first mortgage
Zero interest — no monthly payments
Income limits and purchase price caps apply
Specially discounted mortgage rates for active New Jersey police officers and firefighters who are members of the PFRS.
New Jersey's $22,000 DPA is the largest in the region — but New Jersey's ongoing property taxes are also the highest. Always compare the total annual cost of ownership in NJ versus a comparable Delaware or Pennsylvania property before deciding. Melanie will run this comparison for you.
Maryland's Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) is one of the most comprehensive first-time buyer programs in the nation — combining down payment assistance up to $25,000 with a SmartBuy 3.0 student loan payoff program and an annual $2,000 federal tax credit through the MCC program.
Anyone who has not owned a home as their primary residence in the past 3 years. Veterans and buyers in targeted areas may qualify regardless of prior ownership history.
Maryland's flagship 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage at competitive rates. Foundation loan for all MMP assistance programs.
Minimum credit score 640
Income and purchase price limits apply by county
Up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance — the highest maximum in Melanie's 4-state service area. Available as a zero-interest deferred loan.
Must pair with an MMP first mortgage
Repaid when you sell, refinance, or transfer title
Income and purchase price limits apply
Maryland's unique SmartBuy program helps buyers with student loan debt — providing assistance to pay off student loans at closing while simultaneously purchasing a home.
Must have a minimum $1,000 in student loan debt
Must fully pay off at least one student loan at closing
One of the only programs in the nation addressing student debt and homeownership simultaneously
Annual federal income tax credit of up to 25% of mortgage interest paid — maximum $2,000 per year. Must enroll before closing — cannot be added after purchase.
Real money back at tax time every single year
Can be combined with MMP mortgage and DPA
Cecil and Harford Counties in Maryland offer buyers access to both the Philadelphia AND Baltimore employment markets via I-95 — at price points often significantly below comparable PA suburbs. If you have student loan debt, Maryland's SmartBuy 3.0 program is one of the most unique homebuyer benefits available anywhere in the country.
All program information is provided for general educational purposes only. Program availability, income limits, purchase price caps, and assistance amounts change frequently. Always verify current program details with a qualified lender. Melanie A. Costa and RE/MAX Prime Real Estate are committed to full compliance with the Fair Housing Act and all applicable state and local fair housing laws. Every buyer is presented with all available properties that meet their stated criteria, regardless of location. © 2026 Melanie A. Costa · All Rights Reserved.
Melanie A. Costa · Associate Broker / REALTOR®
RE/MAX Prime Real Estate · Clifton Heights, PA
22+ Years · Licensed in PA, DE, NJ & MD · 18 Counties
These are recommended guidelines only — not requirements. Program details, amounts, and availability subject to change. Always consult a qualified lender, financial advisor, and real estate attorney before making home buying decisions.