State Buyer Programs

First-Time Home Buyer
Programs in Pennsylvania

Down payment assistance, transfer tax rates, and what to expect at closing when buying your first home in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania First-Time Buyer Overview

State Housing Agency
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) →

Your state's HFA is the primary source for below-market mortgages and down payment assistance programs.

Down Payment Assistance Programs
Keystone Home Loan
Competitive interest rate; paired with PHFA Grant or K-FIT DPA

Income limits vary by household size and county.

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PHFA Grant
$500 grant (does not need to be repaid)

Must qualify for Keystone Home Loan.

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K-FIT Loan
5% of purchase price as a deferred DPA loan

Same income limits as primary PHFA loan.

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Transfer Tax Rate
1% (state) + 1% (local) = 2% minimum

Pennsylvania imposes a Realty Transfer Tax of 1% state + 1% local. Many cities add more: Philadelphia charges 3.278% local for a total of 4.278%.

Attorney Required at Closing?
Yes — attorney state

Pennsylvania is an attorney-state. A licensed PA attorney is required to conduct the closing and title examination.

Tools for Buying Your First Home in Pennsylvania

Pre-approval, inspection, insurance, and moving — the same trusted tools, relevant wherever you're buying in Pennsylvania.

Get Pre-Approved

Our Pick
Better Mortgage
Online pre-approval in minutes

Get a real pre-approval letter in about 3 minutes with no origination fee and no commission-hungry loan officer. Fully online — you won't get pressured into a bigger loan.

Get Pre-Approved →
Credible
Compare rates from multiple lenders

See real mortgage rates from multiple lenders side by side without your credit score taking a hit. Takes 3 minutes and you don't have to commit to anything.

Compare Rates →

Home Inspection

Inspectify
Book a licensed inspector online

Never skip the inspection. Inspectify lets you book a certified home inspector in your area in seconds. Digital reports, same-day availability in most markets.

Book an Inspection →

Home Insurance

Lemonade
Instant homeowners insurance quotes

Get a homeowners insurance quote in 90 seconds. Lemonade uses AI to underwrite policies faster than any traditional insurer — and claims are often paid in minutes.

Get a Quote →

Home Warranty

American Home Shield
Coverage for systems and appliances

When the HVAC dies three weeks after closing, you'll be glad you have a home warranty. AHS covers major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical — plus appliances.

View Plans →

Moving

Moving.com
Compare moving company quotes

Get quotes from licensed movers in your area. Moving.com vets companies for licensing and insurance so you're not handing your stuff to a random guy with a truck.

Get Moving Quotes →

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