Del-One Federal Credit Union recently partnered with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh to offer members up to $5,000 cash for down payment and closing cost assistance to purchase their first homes.  For every $1 contributed, qualified homebuyers could receive $3 in First Front Door (FFD) grant assistance, up to a maximum of $5,000.  Several Del-One members were able to meet the eligibility requirements and take advantage of this amazing opportunity in 2018.

Jacqueline Harris, a first-time home buyer who qualified for the program, was both anxious and excited about this opportunity to purchase her own home.  Ms. Harris stated, “Buying a home can seem intimidating, especially with a down payment and closing costs.”  She was thankful for the assistance this grant provided.  Ms. Harris said that even though she is still young and at the beginning of her career, she was still able to take advantage of what this program could offer.  “Although I had money in savings, the $5,000 I received from the grant helped alleviate some of those costs.  If it weren’t for the FFD grant, I would not be able to purchase a home as soon as I did.”  Ms. Harris was also grateful for the ease of the process, as well as the required first-time home buyer counselling that was involved, which “did not take long at all and provided crucial information about the home-buying process”. She also stated she appreciated her “team at Del-One” who “worked with me and made sure to keep communication open throughout the entire process.  “If I had a question or concern, I knew I could call or send an email and someone would be more than happy to help me.” John Ellis, attorney for Ms. Harris from the law firm of Curley, Dodge, Funk and Street, LLC, stated, “What I can say is that it was a smooth transaction.  Del-One was well prepared as well as our office.  The First Front Door program is certainly an excellent program for First-Time Homebuyers and those that need a lift”.  

Realtor Terri Favata, currently with Keller Williams Central Delaware (previously with Coldwell Banker Resort Realty in Milford), has been an agent for over 23 years with experience in all aspects of real estate in Kent and Sussex County.  Ms. Favata’s client, Morgan McKenzie, was also able to take advantage of the First Front Door grant program through Del-One FCU.  Ms. Favata was impressed with the program, which made it possible for her client to get the home she wanted.  She felt the process for obtaining the grant and the mortgage through Del-One was easy, with open communication throughout the process.  Ms. Favata stated she would recommend both the grant program and Del-One to future clients searching for their first new home.  Morgan McKenzie found out about the grant opportunity through an email from Del-One, and was surprised with how simple it was to obtain.  “The process is very straightforward and a simple step-by-step process.  There were plenty of people along the way that always offered to assist me with any questions I may have had.  Donna Sierra-Frye at Del-One was fantastic with always reaching out to check on my progress with the grant process and was always willing to answer any questions I had”.  Ms. McKenzie also stated she would absolutely recommend Del-One to others who are looking for their first home.  “I have already recommended Del-One to a couple of family members and friends that are starting their home searching journey.  Del-One’s First Time Home Buyers Mortgage is also fantastic, with only 5% down and no PMI it is one of the best deals around!”

Del-One President / CEO Dion Williams stated, “As part of Del-One’s mission to be a financial partner for life for its member owners, there is no better example than helping a member realize the dream of home ownership. Del-One is proud to work with local realtors and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh in making those dreams a reality for our members.”

First Front Door is an annual grant program and will be available again in 2019.  Del-One FCU offers a unique set of mortgage products specifically designed to assist first-time home buyers, along with extremely competitive interest rates.  Contact Del-One today at 302-739-4496 or visit www.del-one.org for more information.