- Important Alert: PHFA employees will be working remotely until further notice in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
As a result, all PHFA offices are currently closed to the public.
Homebuyers Start Here
PHFA offers home purchase and refinance loans to qualified borrowers throughout the Commonwealth. What you choose will depend on your individual situation.
How do I get started?
First, contact a PHFA-approved homebuyer counselor and a participating lender.
PHFA offers homebuyers the opportunity to receive free homebuyer counseling and education through one of its approved counseling agencies. PHFA requires borrowers with a FICO credit score lower than 680 to complete a course in-person prior to closing on their loan. We strongly encourage you to seek the assistance of a counselor before you sign a sales agreement, especially if you are a first-time buyer. The counselor will be able to determine if you are ready for a home loan, and if so, how much of a home you can afford. If you're not ready, they can help you develop a plan.
The next step would be to contact one of our participating lenders. PHFA does not handle the mortgage application process. Instead, we have a network of lenders and brokers throughout the state who will process and close your loan. We then buy the loan from them immediately following the loan closing (also referred to as Settlement). You would be making your mortgage payment directly to PHFA for the life of your loan.
Counseling and Education
Why should I choose a PHFA Home loan?
- Competitive interest rates.
- Fewer fees.
- 30-year, fixed rate terms.
- Can be used with conventional, FHA, VA, or RD loan types.
- Save up to $2,000 each year if you qualify for the Mortgage Tax Credit Certificate.
- Possible downpayment and closing cost assistance.
- Your mortgage is serviced by PHFA for the life of the loan.
- Special programs for persons with disabilities.
- Employer Assisted Housing available to buyers working for a participating employer.
Mortgage Programs
PHFA offers the following loan 'mortgage' programs. A homebuyer counselor or participating lender can help you decide which is best suited for you.
Home Purchase
- HFA PreferredTM (Lo MI)
- Keystone Home Loan Program
- Keystone Government Loan Program
Learn more about our Home Purchase loan programs.
Purchase Assistance
- Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan Program
- Mortgage Tax Credit Certificate
- Programs for Persons with Disabilities
- HOMEstead Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance
- Employer Assisted Housing (EAH)
Learn more about our Purchase Assistance loan programs.
Refinance Options
- HFA PreferredTM (Lo MI)
- FHA/VA Loans
Learn more about our Refinance loan programs.
Home Improvements/Repairs
- Access Home Modification Program
- Homeowners Energy Efficiency Loan Program (HEELP)
- HomeStyle® Renovation Program
- Purchase Improvement Loan
- PENNVEST Homeowner Septic Program
Learn more about our Home Improvement & Repair loan programs.
Helpful Tips
- Home Buying 101: How Do I Get Started? - YouTube Video (courtesy of realtor.com)
- Mortgage Basics 101 - YouTube Video (courtesy of realtor.com)
- Building credit and keeping yours healthy - YouTube Video (courtesy of Bank of America)
- How much impact do negative marks have on your credit score? - YouTube Video (courtesy of Bank of America)
- Is buying a home right for you? - YouTube Video (courtesy of Bank of America)
- How much home can you comfortably afford? - YouTube Video (courtesy of Bank of America)
- Understanding different types of mortgages - YouTube Video (courtesy of Bank of America)
- What makes up a mortgage payment? - YouTube Video (courtesy of Bank of America)
- Planning for extra costs when buying a house - YouTube Video (courtesy of Bank of America)
- Steps to better money management - YouTube Video (courtesy of Bank of America)
- How to set a budget and stick to it - YouTube Video (courtesy of Bank of America)
- Strategies for paying down debt - YouTube Video (courtesy of Bank of America)
- Building an emergency fund - YouTube Video (courtesy of Bank of America)
If you have questions, please feel free to contact our Customer Solutions Center at 1.855.U.Are.Home (827.3466).