Help for First-Time Homebuyers

First Front Door (FFD) provides down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers. Offered through participating FHLBank Pittsburgh (FHLBank) members that provide first- mortgage financing. By contributing a minimum of $1,500 toward down payment and closing costs, homebuyers are eligible for a maximum FFD grant of $15,000.

In order to expand access to homeownership opportunities for minority and first-generation first-time homebuyers, the First Front Door Keys to Equity fund (Keys) was established. Also offered through participating FHLBank members that provide first-mortgage financing. By contributing a minimum of $1,000 toward down payments and closing costs, homebuyers in the Keys program are eligible for a maximum Keys grant of $20,000.

The 2025 Keys funding round will open on March 18, 2025 and the 2025 FFD funding round will open on April 22, 2025.

How Does It Work?

Contact

Contact an FFD or Keys Provider

First Front Door and Keys are offered by members of FHLBank Pittsburgh. Homebuyers must finance their first mortgage through a participating FFD or Keys provider in order to access the FFD or Keys funds. Click below to see a list of participating lenders.

FFD Providers

Apply

Apply

Because First Front Door and Keys are offered in conjunction with your first mortgage financing, the lender will collect applicable documentation and compete the application process on your behalf.

Approval

Approval

FHLBank will work with your lender to review your application and eligibility within 10 business days. Your lender can answer any questions you may have about the FFD or Keys process. Upon approval, you have six months to use the grant.

Prepare

Prepare

After your lender has confirmed your FFD or Keys grant reservation is in place, now is the time to complete your mortgage application, select the home you wish to purchase and complete the required four hours of homeownership counseling. Remember, FFD and Keys grant reservations are only valid for six months!

Counseling Agencies

Purchase

Purchase

FFD and Keys funds can be used to help with your down payment or closing costs. Talk to your lender to understand how FFD or Keys will work with your home purchase.

Do I Qualify?

Find Out

How to Get Started

Find a Provider

How Do I Apply?

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  • Call an FFD Provider.
  • Visit the participating institution to discuss their mortgage process and ask for a First Front Door grant.

FFD Providers