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First Time Homebuyer Programs

Ready to open the door to your first home? At SSB, we're happy to help you every step of the way and serve as a financial resource so you can feel confident about your choices. There are a variety of programs available to help with closing costs and down payment for first-time homebuyers. Get in touch with us to find out which program is best for you.

Housing Opportunity Fund's Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program (DPCCAP)

young couple smile shaking hands with a banker


The Housing Opportunity Fund's DPCCAP provides financing to first-time homebuyers in the City of Pittsburgh. It is designed to help stimulate housing investment in the City by providing financial assistance to first-time homebuyers who are interested in purchasing an existing or newly constructed residential unit.

There are a variety of loan and repayment options available through DPCCAP including 5-year and 10-year deferred loans. 

In order to be eligible for DPCCAP, borrows must meet the following criteria:

  • The borrower's annual gross household income may not exceed 115% of the AMI.
  • The borrower must be purchasing the home as his/her primary residence and have his/her name on the deed.
  • The borrower must not have any outstanding City, School, or County real estate taxes, or the borrower must be on a payment plan for at least six months.

Specific eligibility criteria related to borrowers and properties can be found on the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh's website.


NeighborWorks Arriving Home Loan Program


This down-payment and closing-cost assistance program makes homeownership more attainable in Western PA. A standard fixed-rate second mortgage loan is provided to eligible first-time homebuyers who:
  • Meet income limit eligibility guidelines. (See income table outline.)
  • Have a credit score of at least 620.
  • Contribute at least $1,500 of their own funds into the transaction.

Additionally, the property must be:

  • A primary residence.
  • A single-family dwelling.
  • Owner-occupied.
  • Located within the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) or a Western Pennsylvania county outside the Pittsburgh MSA.

couple discussing loans with a banker

FHLBank First Front Door Grants

young woman signing documents at a bank

The First Front Door (FFD) Program, offered through FHLBank, can help qualified first-time home buyers with closing costs and down payment. For every $1 you contribute, FFD will provide $3 in assistance, up to $5,000.

First Front Door is offered by members of FHLBank Pittsburgh, including SSB Bank. There are specific qualifications including:

  • Be a first time home buyer
  • Have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income at the time of enrollment
  • Retain the home for five years from the loan closing date
  • Not be a student working less than 30 hours per week
  • Contribute personal funds as part of the down payment and closing costs
  • For a full list of details regarding qualifications, please visit the FFD website.
Learn More

Why Work with SSB?

When you get your mortgage through SSB Bank, we'll make you feel at home. As members of the Pittsburgh community ourselves, we are happy to help you become our neighbors! Working with SSB to get your mortgage gives you many advantages:

  • Low origination fees
  • Competitive interest rates
  • Personal, hands-on guidance throughout the process
  • Quick, local decision-making
  • Direct, in-person service, whether you call or come into one of our branches

Get More Information

We understand how overwhelming it can be to buy your first home, that's why we do our best to provide you with resources that make the process as simple as possible. Get in touch with us to learn more about each program and find out if you qualify.

 
 
heather dieckmann

Heather Dieckmann

AVP Mortgage Department Manager

(412) 837-6955