Taking advantage of First Time Homebuyer grants in NJ / PA

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I'm looking to buy real estate in the NJ / PA area as a first time home buyer.

Anyone familiar with the incentives available to me? NJ Seems to have $15k and Philly offers $10k.

Both are "downpayment assistance" programs that I qualify for.

My question is, do I have to work with mortgage lenders they specify? NJ has a list of frequent lenders that use their program.

Also, how does it work? Do I get the full amount of money, or is dependent on something? Are there any conditions that require it to be repaid?

Also, I've heard there are federal tax breaks for first time homebuyers? Could be misremembering that though