Purchase a Home

Thinking about purchasing a home in Philadelphia? Congreso is here to help. Our free, bilingual First-time Home Buyer Workshops provide clients with a strong foundation of knowledge as they begin the home purchase process.

Ready to get started?

Register – English
Register – Spanish

If you have any questions about workshops or our Housing Counseling program, please email Congresohousing@congreso.net | Phone: 215-763-8870

Learn from Professionals

Hear directly from realtors, mortgage lenders, and housing specialists throughout our workshops.

Financial Education

Learn about building credit, how to budget, and feel financially prepared for a home.

Assistance with Down Payment

If you qualify, you may be eligible to receive up to 6% of the purchase price or up to $10,000 in down payment assistance through city grants. More info at the bottom of page.

1-on-1 Help

Get connected with a housing specialist after you complete our workshops to guide you every step of the way.

IMPACT IN 2025

114

50

436

$1M+

NEW HOMEOWNERS

WORKSHOPS

PARTICIPANTS

IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Over the last 10 years, Congreso has helped over 500 community members purchase homes in the surrounding zipcodes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When do workshops open for registration?  

  • Workshops are always open for new registrations

How do I get started? 

  1. The first step is registering for a virtual or in-person workshop using the following links in English or Spanish.
  2. Before attending any workshop in-person or virtual, you will need to fill out the Pre-Purchase Intake Packet. Download the English document packet here. Download the Spanish document packet here.
  3. After attending your scheduled workshop, you will receive an attendance certificate.  
  4. After you have completed your workshop and have sent the certificate and a copy of your ID, you will receive a call from the intake team to schedule you for your 1-on-1 with a HUD approved Housing Counselor.

How long does it take to get my attendance certificate? 

  • Please allow 1-2 weeks from the date you attend the workshop to receive your attendance certificate via email. The certificate will be sent to the email address you signed up with.  

How do I qualify for the Philly First Home grant?  

  • Before signing an Agreement of Sale, applicants are required to complete a city‑funded homeownership education program, such as Congreso’s First‑Time Home Buyer Workshop.
  • Must be a First-Time Homebuyer and Homeowner (No Deeds/Title in your name for the last 3 years)​
  • Must buy a single-family home or duplex in Philadelphia (no condominiums)​
  • Must live in the home for 15 years as primary​ residence

Can I use an outside credit agency report?  

  • Yes, we can accept a credit report from an outside credit agency.  This report must be with in the 30 days and reflect all 3-credit reporting agency this report is called a tri-merge report. (Equifax, Transunion and Experian)  

Ready to get started?

Register – English
Register – Spanish