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

  • First State Home Loan
  • 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 Home Loan
  • 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 Home Loan
  • 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 Home Loan
  • 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 1 or 2 Person Households 3 or More Person Households

New Castle

$119,400

$137,310

Kent & Sussex

$108,800

$125,120

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

  • First State Home Loan
  • 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 Home Loan
  • 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 Maximum Purchase Price

New Castle

$617,241

Kent & Sussex

$544,232

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:

  • 0006.02            0019.02           0021.00
  • 0023.00            0029.00           0030.02

  • 0425.00

  • 0505.03           0507.11

Welcome Home Income Limits in Targeted Areas

County 1 or 2 Person Households 3 or More Person Households

New Castle

$143,280

$167,160

Kent & Sussex

$130,560

$152,320

Purchase Price Limits for Single-Family Homes in Targeted Areas

County Maximum Purchase Price

New Castle

$754,406

Kent & Sussex

$665,173