Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments you will make. We will make sure you are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become a responsible homeowner.
Homebuyer Assistance Programs
The City of Scranton Homebuyer Program offers qualified first-time home buyers a forgiven, deferred payment loan to help with down payment and closing expenses:
- $5,000 minimum assistance awarded to approved applicants.
- Homebuyer education required prior to applying.
- Approval based on adjusted household income, you may qualify for deductions.
- Income guidelines are based on HUD guidance, which updates annually in June.
Please click here for full program information on the City of Scranton program.
The Lackawanna County Homebuyer Program offers qualified first-time home buyers a forgiven, deferred payment loan to help with down payment and closing expenses:
- $7,500 minimum assistance awarded to approved applicants.
- Homebuyer education required prior to applying.
- Approval based on adjusted household income, you may qualify for deductions.
- Funds available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Income guidelines are based on HUD guidance, which updates annually in June. Contact our office for the most up-to-date information.
Becoming a homeowner:
- HOMEBUYER WORKSHOP: Sign up for our homebuyer workshop below.
- 1-ON-1 COUNSELING: Schedule a review of your personal finances with our housing counselor to receive a customized path to homeownership.
- APPLICATION & ELIGIBILITY REVIEW: We will assist you with completing the application. After review, you will be notified of your eligibility.
- MEET WITH A MORTGAGE LENDER: Meet with a mortgage lender to be pre-approved for your home loan.
- GRANT FUNDS RESERVED: Once pre-approved, funds are set aside for your future home purchase.
- FIND YOUR NEW HOME: Your realtor will assist you with finding a house that is the right fit for you.
- ENTER INTO CONTRACT: With a signed contract, your housing counselor and lender will work together on your personal financial package.
- INSPECTION: Inspection criteria is based on program eligibility.
- PURCHASE INSURANCE: Choose your insurance provider to protect your home.
- CLOSING: Congratulations! You will receive the keys to your new home.
For more information, contact us at intake@nwnepa.org or (570) 558-2490.
Homebuyer Workshops
Our free homebuyer education workshops are offered multiple times each year. By attending these workshops, prospective buyers can:
- Participate in discussions led by local housing-industry professionals, including lenders, Realtors, property inspectors, insurance agents, homeownership specialists, and others you will come into contact with during your home-buying process
- Learn how to avoid predatory lending
- Participate in a question-and-answer session with all speakers
- Have the opportunity to interact with other homebuyers
View our events calendar to find and register for an upcoming homebuyer workshop.
Online Homebuyer Course
NeighborWorks offers this interactive online course in partnership with eHome America for prospective homebuyers who want the convenience of completing the homebuyer education course at their own pace.
Who should take this course?
- First-time homebuyers
- Borrowers who need a homebuyer education certificate to qualify for a loan or assistance program
- Individuals looking to become more educated about homeownership
- Homebuyers working with local housing counselors
Key features of eHome America’s online course:
- Complete at your own pace
- Animated videos covering all materials
- Easy-to-read content with highlighted keywords
- Quizzes throughout the course to ensure understanding
- Instant access to a local homeownership counselor
- There is a charge for the online course
One-on-One Homebuyer Sessions
To personalize the homebuyer education experience either before or after completing the group education course, We recommend that prospective homebuyers schedule an appointment with our homeownership specialist to discuss available assistance programs and to review your budget, credit reports, and other information relevant to the home purchasing process.
Please note: We cannot award a homebuyer education certificate without an individual (either in-person or over the phone) counseling session to obtain your information and to provide you with tips for buying a home in the local market.
A Name You Can Trust
NeighborWorks NEPA is a certified HUD-approved housing counseling agency, a chartered member of NeighborWorks America, an approved agency for the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s (PHFA) Comprehensive Housing Counseling Initiative, and an endorser of the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Counseling.
