The Delaware State Housing Authority is rebranding its single-family mortgage lending program and adding new loan products, offering greater flexibility for first-time and repeat homebuyers.

The launch of the Delaware Mortgage Program replaces the longtime homeownership campaign and website known as Kiss Your Landlord Goodbye. All single-family mortgage lending information will now live under the DSHA brand and website, destatehousing.com, giving it greater exposure and trusted name recognition for program lending partners and prospective homebuyers.

DSHA’s Delaware Mortgage Program has expanded its loan products to offer two new options, Keys4You and Take5, that will help more people buy a home. The Delaware Mortgage Program is designed to help low- and moderate-income households purchase homes by providing lower interest rates, down payment and closing costs assistance, and a network of preferred lenders and housing counselors who understand the homeownership program.

“Every family deserves access to affordable housing,” said Gov. Matt Meyer. “By expanding and improving its competitive mortgage lending programs, DSHA is making it possible for more families to become homeowners and build generational wealth in the First State.”

“We’re proud to increase our loan options. The more choices we can offer, the better chance to match with the borrowers’ needs and help more families, whether they are buying their first home or their next,” said DSHA Director Matthew Heckles. “This rebrand to the Delaware Mortgage Program leverages DSHA’s reputation and reach of services, making information more accessible to more people.”

Loan products will fall under two main areas: Welcome Home, helping first-time homebuyers become homeowners in Delaware and Open Door, expanding opportunities for homeownership in Delaware.

Both Welcome Home and Open Door provide buyers with these three loan options: Smart Start, a first mortgage loan with no down payment required and closing cost assistance; First State, a zero-interest second mortgage equal to 3% of the first mortgage loan amount for down payment and closing cost assistance, with no monthly payment required; and Keys4You, a zero-interest second mortgage equal to 4% of the first mortgage loan amount for down payment and closing cost assistance with no monthly payment required.

The Welcome Home program also provides these loan options: Take5, a zero-interest second mortgage equal to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount for down payment and closing cost assistance, with no monthly payment required; and Diamond in the Rough, a loan to make minor repairs on the home being purchased. The buyer must qualify for the FHA 203(k) limited program. A zero-interest second mortgage equal to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount used for down payment and closing cost assistance. No monthly payment is required.

For each loan with down payment assistance, payment is deferred until the following events (whichever comes first): refinance, sale of home, transfer of title, or property is no longer used as a primary residence. Income and sales price limits apply and are based on the household’s size and the Delaware county in which the home is purchased.

DSHA works with a variety of loan types, including conventional, FHA, VA and USDA, and allows the buyer to choose the option that fits their situation best.

For individuals who need to improve their credit score, DSHA offers financial counseling through HUD-approved housing counselors.

The Delaware Mortgage Program is available statewide to anyone purchasing a home in Delaware. To learn more, go to destatehousing.com/mortgages.