Housing counseling service
First-time Homebuyer Counseling Program
As a HUD-certified housing counseling agency, we’re committed to promoting fairness and inclusivity in our communities. Our primary goal is to offer first-time homebuyers the tools and support they need to enter the housing market.
Comprehensive Guidance
We are dedicated to equipping you with the fundamental skills necessary to navigate the home purchasing process with confidence.
HUD-Certified
Our team of HUD-certified* housing counselors will work closely with you to create an individualized action plan, guiding you through the homebuyer process.
*HUD stands for United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Key Topics Covered
- Budgeting
- Effective money management
- Credit repair strategies
- Fair housing laws
- Making informed choices when selecting a lender
*As a grant funded organization and through the generosity of our donors, there are currently no fees for our housing counseling services.
Eligibility Criteria
2026 Income Eligibility
To qualify for closing cost assistance, ensure your household’s total gross annual income does not exceed the maximum limits. This includes income from all household members aged 18 and older living in the new property.
CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Offering Three Closing Cost Assistance Programs
When you’re buying your first home, it’s not just about saving for a down payment. There are additional costs, like appraisal, title search, and insurance, called closing costs, which can come as a surprise. We are here to help.
Delaware County Homeownership First Program
Media Fellowship House, in partnership with the Delaware County Office of Housing & Community Development (OHCD), provides assistance to low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers interested in buying a home in Delaware County.
- Eligible homebuyers could qualify for up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to purchase a home.
- 0% interest loan.
- Forgivable after 5 years in designated Revitalization Communities* of Delaware County.
*Revitalization Communities
Aldan Borough, Chester Township, Clifton Heights Borough, Collingdale Borough, Colwyn Borough, Darby Borough, Darby Township, East Lansdowne Borough, Eddystone Borough, Folcroft Borough, Glenolden Borough, Lansdowne Borough, Lower Chichester Township, Marcus Hook Borough, Millbourne Borough, Morton Borough, Norwood Borough, Parkside Borough, Prospect Park Borough, Ridley Township, Ridley Park Borough, Rutledge Borough, Sharon Hill Borough, Tinicum Township, Trainer Borough, Upland Borough and Yeadon Borough.
Learn more about the terms of the program.
To see if you qualify, take our screening survey.
Upper Darby Township First Time Homebuyer Program
Media Fellowship House, in partnership with Upper Darby Township, provides assistance to low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers interested in buying a home in Upper Darby Township.
- Eligible homebuyers could qualify for up to $20,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to purchase a home.
- 0% interest loan.
- Forgivable after 5 years
To see if you qualify, take our screening survey.
United Way IDA Savings Match Program
Media Fellowship House partners with United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) to provide a savings program for first-time homebuyers who currently reside in Greater Philadelphia or Southern New Jersey.
- Save $2,000 over 3-18 months.
- United Way offers a 2:1 match.
- Complete 5 hrs of Homebuyer Education and 6 hrs of Financial Counseling.
- Receive $4,000 in closing cost assistance.
*Enrollment is subject to availability of spaces and funds each year. To initiate the referral process, we kindly ask that you attend an initial pre-purchase counseling appointment, which is a prerequisite for participation in this program.
To see if you qualify, take our screening survey.
Begin your screening process by filling out the eligibility form.
Table for 2025/26 Income Limits
| Household Size | Delaware County Homeownership First Upper Darby Township FTHB Program < 80% MFI | United Way IDA Savings Match < 400% FPL |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $66,850 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $76,400 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $85,950 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $95,500 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $103,150 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $110,800 | $177,440 |
| 7 | $118,450 | $200,160 |
| 8 | $126,100 | $222,880 |
| Median Family Income *Effective May 1, 2025 | Federal Poverty Level *Effective Jan 1, 2026 |
- To qualify for closing cost assistance, ensure your household’s total gross annual income does not exceed maximum limits.
- Maximum limits include income from all household members aged 18 and older living in the new property.
To see if you qualify, take our screening survey.
Guidance for New Buyers
Housing Resources
As part of your homebuyer education, we’re happy to provide a few important resources to help you make informed, confident decisions during the homebuying process. These documents offer guidance on protecting your investment, understanding your rights, and knowing what to look for as you prepare to purchase a home.
Please review and download the following materials from our document library:
- Ten Important Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector
- For Your Protection: Get a Home Inspection
- Protect Your Family From Lead Paint in the Home Brochure*
- Fair Housing Pamphlet
- PHFA Mortgages at a Glance
- PHFA Subordinate Loan Programs at a Glance
*Please visit the EPA website to download the lead paint brochure in other available languagues.
These resources are designed to support you every step of the way as you move toward homeownership.
