Bucks County First Time Homebuyer Programs and Assistance

Buying your first home in Bucks County takes planning and money. The good news is that multiple assistance programs exist to help you cover down payment and closing costs. These programs make homeownership achievable for low and moderate income families who might otherwise struggle to save enough money upfront.

Bucks County offers programs through county government, banks, nonprofits, and the state housing authority. Each program has different income limits, requirements, and benefit amounts. Some programs focus on financial assistance while others combine assistance with homebuyer education and counseling.

Bucks County First Time Homebuyer Program

The Bucks County First Time Homebuyer Program is the primary county assistance option. This program provides up to $10,000 for closing costs and down payment assistance to eligible households. The assistance comes in the form of a zero-interest deferred mortgage that you repay when you sell, transfer, or refinance the home.

To qualify, your household income must be at or below 100 percent of the Median Family Income for Bucks County based on your household size. The program is open to Bucks County residents, people who work in Bucks County and want to live there, and those in the military. You must be a first-time homebuyer or have not owned a home in the past three years.

Your minimum contribution is 3 percent of the purchase price. The maximum home purchase price is $375,000. Your property must be located in Bucks County and be your principal residence. Rental or investment properties are not eligible for this program.

Bucks County Housing Group handles all counseling and eligibility determination. The first step is to complete an intake application through Bucks County Housing Group. You will then be contacted to schedule an intake appointment and counseling session. The program requires housing counseling that covers budgeting, mortgage terms, and the homeownership process.

The program has helped over 720 households since 1994. A recent $1.6 million expansion announced in 2019 demonstrates the county's commitment to making homeownership affordable. Contact Bucks County Housing Group to get started with an online webinar, which is required for all applicants to confirm eligibility before moving forward.

Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County

Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County offers a different path to homeownership. The program provides newly constructed or renovated homes to low-income households who live or work in Bucks County. This program is ideal for buyers who may not qualify through traditional banks or who need more than just financial assistance.

Habitat homes are sold at no profit and financed with affordable loans. Monthly housing costs are guaranteed to stay below 30 percent of your gross monthly income. This affordability standard makes homeownership sustainable and helps you budget for other living expenses. Habitat homes currently range between $100,000 and $150,000.

Before you receive the keys, you invest sweat equity by actively participating in the construction of your home. Sweat equity means you work on building your home and the homes of other Habitat participants. Habitat also provides essential financial workshops to empower low to moderate income homebuyers on their journey to sustainable homeownership.

All Habitat homes are ENERGY STAR certified with energy-efficient features such as modern windows, doors, and appliances. Renovated homes are updated with modern kitchens, bathrooms, and other improvements. This energy efficiency reduces your utility costs and helps the environment.

Since 1990, Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County has built more than 127 homes. To apply, submit your application materials and wait for homebuyer selection. The selection process considers your financial ability and housing need. If you are not accepted, you remain eligible for future opportunities and the organization may recommend ways to strengthen your application.

The First Bank First-Time Homebuyer Program

The First Bank operates a First-Time Homebuyer Program that allows qualified individuals and families with limited income to purchase a home with as little as 5 percent down. This low down payment requirement helps buyers who have saved money but not enough for traditional 10 or 20 percent down.

Your mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, may not exceed 33 percent of your monthly gross income. All monthly debt, including mortgage-related payments plus consumer debt such as credit cards, car loans, student loans, and personal loans, cannot exceed 38 percent of your monthly gross income. These debt-to-income limits ensure your mortgage is affordable and sustainable.

You must not have owned a home in the past three years to qualify as a first-time buyer. The First has locations throughout Bucks County with mortgage officers familiar with the program who can guide you through the process and answer your questions.

All First-Time Homebuyer Program applicants must attend a credit counseling program. The program is conducted by the Credit Counseling Center located in Richboro, Pennsylvania. Credit counseling prepares you to handle the financial responsibility of homeownership and makes you a more informed consumer about credit and debt.

Bucks County Housing Group Counseling Services

Bucks County Housing Group offers free webinars for first-time homebuyers in addition to the counseling required for the county program. Webinars introduce credit requirements, the homebuying and lending processes, and review various assistance programs available to potential buyers.

After participating in group webinars, you can continue by scheduling an intake appointment and individual counseling session. You will work with your counselor to apply what you learned to your unique situation. The counselor helps you develop an action plan and timeline for purchasing.

Individual counseling appointments may be conducted in person or via Zoom, giving you flexibility to fit counseling into your schedule. Bucks County Housing Group also provides assistance with the Bucks County Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program if needed.

To begin counseling with Bucks County Housing Group, complete the online intake application on their website. You will be contacted to set up an intake appointment and arrange for counseling. If you need help completing the intake application, contact intake@bchg.org for assistance.

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Statewide Programs

In addition to local Bucks County programs, you can access several statewide Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency programs. These programs provide additional resources and options depending on your financial situation and goals.

PHFA programs include K-FIT, Keystone Advantage, and other assistance options available through approved lenders. Many of these programs can be combined with the Bucks County First Time Homebuyer Program to provide additional support beyond the $10,000 county assistance.

Parts of Bucks County may also qualify for USDA Single-Family Housing programs, but eligibility is address-specific and depends on your household income. Always verify that the specific property you want to buy is eligible under the program's geographic rules before making an offer.

How to Choose the Right Program

The best program depends on your situation, income level, savings, and timeline. If you need help with closing costs and down payment and can qualify for traditional financing, the Bucks County First Time Homebuyer Program is straightforward and offers up to $10,000 in assistance.

If you prefer direct assistance with flexible repayment and want to work with a local lender, The First Bank's program with 5 percent down may be your best option. Credit counseling is required but helps prepare you for homeownership.

If you need more comprehensive support beyond financial assistance, Habitat for Humanity provides housing at guaranteed affordability with sweat equity and financial workshops. This program is ideal for buyers who struggle to qualify for traditional mortgages or want community involvement in homeownership.

If you want education and guidance before committing to a specific program, Bucks County Housing Group's free webinars and counseling help you understand all your options and create a personalized action plan.

Steps to Apply for Assistance

Start by identifying which program best fits your situation. Contact Bucks County Housing Group to register for a free webinar. Webinars help you understand the homebuying process and confirm your eligibility for county assistance.

If the Bucks County First Time Homebuyer Program interests you, complete the intake application through Bucks County Housing Group's website after the webinar. You will be contacted to schedule your intake and counseling appointment.

If you prefer working with a bank, visit The First at one of their Bucks County locations. Ask about the First-Time Homebuyer Program and the credit counseling requirement. Get prequalified for a mortgage to understand how much you can borrow.

If you are interested in Habitat for Humanity, contact them directly to discuss your housing needs and housing situation. Submit your application and wait for the selection committee's decision. Be prepared to explain your need for affordable housing.

Gather your documents early. Have recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and identification ready before meeting with any program. The more organized you are, the faster your application will move through the approval process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What income limits apply to the Bucks County First Time Homebuyer Program?

Income limits range from $73,800 for a single-person household to $139,200 for an eight-person household. The exact income limit depends on your household size and is based on the current Median Family Income for Bucks County set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Income limits are updated annually, so confirm the current limits with Bucks County Housing Group.

Can I combine assistance from multiple programs?

Yes, you may be able to combine the Bucks County First Time Homebuyer Program with PHFA statewide programs to receive additional assistance beyond the county's $10,000 maximum. Contact Bucks County Housing Group and your lender to confirm which programs can be combined. Each program has different rules about combining benefits.

How long does the application process take?

The typical timeline is about 6 to 12 weeks from mortgage application to closing. However, timelines can be longer if you are waiting for program funding or need additional approvals. Start your application early to avoid delays. Complete required homebuyer education before house hunting to prevent delays later in the process.

What happens if I sell my home before the deferred mortgage is repaid?

The no-interest deferred mortgage becomes due and payable when the home is sold, transferred, refinanced for additional debt, or is no longer your principal residence. You repay the outstanding balance from your home sale proceeds. This is why the deferred structure helps—your home equity typically grows enough to cover the repayment.

Does Habitat for Humanity require perfect credit?

No, Habitat for Humanity does not have strict credit score requirements. The selection process focuses on your financial ability to sustain a mortgage, your housing need, and your willingness to partner with Habitat. If you have past credit challenges, Habitat's financial workshops and counseling help you demonstrate your readiness for homeownership.

Get Started Today

Bucks County offers real help for first-time homebuyers who are ready to own. These programs exist because community leaders understand that homeownership changes lives and strengthens neighborhoods. You do not have to save for years to buy your first home.

Contact Bucks County Housing Group today to register for a free webinar. Call 1-800-810-4434 for the Bucks County Housing Link Helpline to connect to available services. Visit The First Bank to learn about their low-down-payment program. Contact Habitat for Humanity to explore their affordable homeownership program.

Your path to homeownership in Bucks County starts today. Take the first step and reach out to the program that best matches your situation.