"Civetta was very proactive in helping me reach out to lenders and get the right information… They were like an advocate, if you will. Being approved for the first time was the biggest sigh... it felt great. It felt like moving forward, like this is really happening. Civetta Property Group is helping me generate generational wealth and to be an example for my family members to see this is possible."
“Take advantage of what's there. City of Philadelphia, Turn the Key, it's a great program. Civetta played a big part in getting through those hurdles I was having with other realtors and lenders.”
"Homeownership has changed my outlook on the future by letting me live affordably. I'm only 26, and I was able to make this happen, which is pretty crazy to think about. My mortgage payment is currently around half of my previous rent payment, which allows me to have such a better quality of life across the board."
“You guys made everything easier. Easy access—most of the time we could access everything from our phone. We texted a lot; it was very convenient.”
Affordable Housing in Philadelphia: First-Time Homebuyer Programs You’ll Need to Know to Buy In 2025
What is the Turn the Key Initiative?
Turn the Key is a City of Philadelphia program that helps first-time buyers purchase new homes built on city-owned land. It's part of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker's Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) Initiative, managed by the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC).
Because the city contributes the land, the cost of building comes down. That savings is passed to the buyer rather than the developer. Income-eligible first-time buyers can receive up to $75,000 in mortgage buydown assistance.
Civetta Property Group is an official Turn the Key development partner, which means we build these homes and guide buyers through the program from first question to closing day.
What are the income guidelines for Turn the Key?
Income guidelines are listed in the chart above. Household income can be no higher than 100% of Area Median Income (AMI) for your household size. Income is calculated using gross income — before taxes and deductions — for all members of the family who will live in the home.
If I have bad credit, can I buy a home?
Possibly, yes. PHDC suggests a credit score around 640, but notes there may be loan products available even if your score is somewhat lower.
Credit is also a fixable piece of the process. Your housing counselor will review where you stand and help you build a plan — and many buyers who assumed their credit ruled them out found out otherwise in that first session.
Don't count yourself out based on a number you saw on an app. Let someone look at the full picture.
How is my monthly payment kept so low?
The monthly payment is based on a lower initial mortgage cost, through buy-down assistance from Turn the Key assistance and grants, including the Philly First Home grant.
