Buying your first home is exciting and sometimes overwhelming. ARC offers options that may help eligible first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing costs so you can move forward with more confidence.
We currently offer two assistance opportunities for eligible members:
- First Front Door Federal Grant Program
- ARC First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Credit
Talk with an ARC loan officer to learn which option may be right for you and what steps to take next.
📞Call or Text: 814-946-0857
First Front Door Federal Grant Program
ARC processes applications for the First Front Door federal grant program, which may provide down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible first-time homebuyers.
Program deadline
Applications for this program must be submitted by May 19, 2026.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- not have owned a home in the past three years
- contribute at least $1,500 toward the purchase of the home
- complete an approved homebuyer counseling course
- meet applicable program income guidelines
- purchase the home as a primary residence
This program can be a helpful option for buyers who are ready for homeownership but need assistance with upfront costs. Program funds are limited and subject to availability.
Investment and commercial properties are not eligible.
Learn About the Federal Grant Program
ARC First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Credit
ARC also offers an in-house mortgage credit for eligible first-time homebuyers. Qualified applicants may receive a mortgage credit equal to 2% of the approved loan amount, up to $4,000, on an eligible, approved ARC FCU mortgage loan.
How to qualify
To be considered for the ARC First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Credit, applicants must:
- meet ARC Federal Credit Union membership requirements
- be members in good standing
- meet ARC loan eligibility requirements
- submit a mortgage application through ARC Federal Credit Union
- complete Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 of the First-Time Homebuyer Rewards Program
- set up automatic mortgage payments from an ARC deposit account
- meet ARC’s definition of a first-time homebuyer
For purposes of ARC’s First-Time Homebuyer Rewards Program, a first-time homebuyer is someone who has not owned a home within the past seven years, whether jointly, independently, or as investment real estate property. To qualify for this mortgage credit, all applicants for the property must meet this requirement.
Once program completion is confirmed, certificates will be sent to your email address as well as ARC Federal Credit Union. Please allow up to 7 business days for delivery. Certificates are valid for 180 days. Completing the program is an important step, but it does not by itself guarantee loan approval or incentive eligibility.
Start Homebuyer Education Program
Not Sure Which Option Fits Your Situation?
Our loan team can help you understand the differences between the federal grant program and ARC’s in-house mortgage credit, review eligibility requirements, and answer your questions about the homebuying process. Talk with an ARC loan officer to learn which option may be right for you and what steps to take next.
📞Call or Text: 814-946-0857