Resources for New York Homeowners and New York Home Buyers

Buying your first home, or dealing with financial stress around housing, can feel overwhelming. You are not alone, and there are real programs designed to help. I work with first-time buyers and homeowners facing difficult situations every day, and I understand how confusing this process can be. My role is to help you understand your options, connect you with legitimate assistance programs, and guide you through each step with clear, practical information. 

I do not sugar-coat the facts. I believe you deserve honest answers and real numbers, so you can make informed decisions with confidence. 

Whether you’re trying to make your first home possible or navigating a distressed situation, my approach is straightforward, informed by experience, and focused on helping you move forward.

 

CATEGORY
PROGRAM/AGENCY
DESCRIPTION
LINK

First-Time Homebuyer Programs

HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance (NYC)
Down payment/closing cost assistance (forgivable loan up to ~$100K) for first-time buyers in NYC. Requires homebuyer education & eligibility.
Link to this program here.
SONYMA – Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL)
0% interest down-payment loan (forgivable after 10 yrs) paired with a SONYMA mortgage.
Link to this program here.
State of NY Mortgage Agency (SONYMA)
State mortgage products with low down payments & add-ons like DPAL supporting first-time and income-qualified buyers.
Link to this program here.
Community Housing Innovations – First-Time Buyer Grants
Grants/assistance for down payment & closing costs in Westchester/Nassau/Suffolk/Dutchess counties.
Link to this program here.
Homebuyer Education & Counseling (NHSNYC)
Pre-purchase education and counseling to prepare first-time buyers.
Link to this program here.

Housing Finance & Grants

Affordable Home Ownership Development Program (AHODP)
State grants supporting affordable ownership construction/rehab via local entities.
Link to this program here.

Foreclosure / Homeowner Assistance

Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP)
State-wide network of free foreclosure counseling & legal referrals.
Link to this program here.
NY State Foreclosure Prevention (HCR)
Info and counseling options if facing mortgage trouble.
Link to this program here.
Help for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure (NY DFS)
Guidance & hotline connection to foreclosure counseling/legal services.
Link to this information resource here.

Legal & Consumer Protection

Foreclosure Prevention Project (Legal Aid)
Free legal representation and advocacy for homeowners in foreclosure in select NYC boroughs.
Link to this resource here.
Homeowner & Consumer Debt Advocacy Project
Free legal services for homeownership stability & debt advocacy.
Link to this resource here.

Local & State Housing Offices

NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD)
NYC’s housing agency – affordable housing programs, homeowner resources, inspections, and enforcement.
Link to this dept. here.
NYC HPD Contact Info
Direct lines for affordable housing applications, mortgage servicing, Section 8, etc.
Their contact info is here.
NY State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)
NY’s statewide housing agency overseeing SONYMA and many homeownership, financing, and housing programs.
Link to HCR here.
HCR Regional Offices
Main & borough/state offices for housing/rent/assistance programs.
Their contact info is here.
HUD New York State (Federal)
U.S. New York HUD office with counseling access, fair housing, and homeowner resources.
Their site is here.