Your path to homeownership starts with Welcome Home

Debra Mack and her son celebrating buying her home.
Debra Mack and her son celebrating buying her home.

Welcome Home Programs

Smart Start

First mortgage loan with no down payment and closing costs assistance.

First State

Zero-interest second mortgage equal to 3% of the first mortgage loan amount for down payment and closing costs assistance. No monthly payment required. Payment is deferred until the following events (whichever comes first): refinance, sale of home, transfer of title, or property is no longer used as a primary residence.

Keys4You

Zero-interest second mortgage equal to 4% of the first mortgage loan amount for down payment and closing costs assistance. No monthly payment required. Payment is deferred until the following events (whichever comes first): refinance, sale of home, transfer of title, or property is no longer used as a primary residence.

Take5

Zero-interest second mortgage equal to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount for down payment and closing costs assistance. No monthly payment required. Payment is deferred until the following events (whichever comes first): refinance, sale of home, transfer of title, or property is no longer used as a primary residence.

Diamond in the Rough

Minor repairs needed? This loan is for you! Must qualify for the FHA 203(k) limited program. Zero-interest second mortgage equal to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount used for down payment and closing costs assistance. No required monthly payment. Payment is deferred until the following events (whichever comes first): refinance, sale of home, transfer of title, or property is no longer used as a primary residence.

Welcome Home Income Limits

County Area 1 or 2 Person Households 3 or More Person Households

New Castle

Non-Targeted Areas

$119,400

$137,310

New Castle

Targeted Areas

$143,280

$167,160

Kent & Sussex

Non-Targeted Areas

$108,800

$125,120

Kent & Sussex

Targeted Areas

$130,560

$152,320

Open Door

open door and door handle with key and keychain shaped house
open door and door handle with key and keychain shaped house

Open Door Programs

Smart Start

First mortgage loan with no down payment and closing costs assistance.

First State

Zero-interest second mortgage equal to 3% of the first mortgage loan amount for down payment and closing costs assistance. No monthly payment required. Payment is deferred until the following events (whichever comes first): refinance, sale of home, transfer of title, or property is no longer used as a primary residence.

Keys4You

Zero-interest second mortgage equal to 4% of the first mortgage loan amount for down payment and closing costs assistance. No monthly payment required. Payment is deferred until the following events (whichever comes first): refinance, sale of home, transfer of title, or property is no longer used as a primary residence.

Open Door Income Limits

County 1 or 2 Person Households 3 or More Person Households

New Castle

$143,280

$179,100

Kent & Sussex

$130,560

$163,200

Purchase Price Limits for Single-Family Homes

County Area Maximum Purchase Price

New Castle

Non-Targeted Areas

$617,241

New Castle

Targeted Areas

$754,406

Kent & Sussex

Non-Targeted Areas

$544,232

Kent & Sussex

Targeted Areas

$665,173

What are targeted areas?

Targeted areas are specific locations identified to help expand homeownership opportunities. These areas are designated based on community needs and may offer additional flexibility or benefits for homebuyers. Targeted areas matter because if you purchase a home in a targeted area, you may be eligible for higher income limits, sales price limits and flexible program requirements.

You can use this link to determine if the home you’re interested in is located in a targeted area: click link here.

Targeted areas include the following Census Tracts:

New Castle County Targeted Census Tracts

0006.02            0019.02           0021.00

0023.00            0029.00           0030.02

Kent County Targeted Census Tracts

0425.00

Sussex County Targeted Census Tracts

0505.03           0507.11