Services & Programs

HAC provides counseling for households looking to purchase their first home, including an overview of what to expect in the homebuying process.  Generally, first time homebuyer counseling educates consumers about how lenders calculate the amount of a mortgage a consumer will be offered and whether a customer is a good credit risk.  Information about the homebuying process, including the roles of an engineer, attorney, and realtor are covered.  Customers get help in analyzing their credit history and what to do to improve it.  Consumers are encouraged to come in for counseling for many months or in some cases years before applying for a mortgage.

Housing Action Council is a participating member of the New York Mortgage Coalition, an effort by 9 banks and a number of community organizations throughout the metropolitan area who are committed to increasing homeownership opportunities for moderate income individuals and families by counseling and helping them qualify for mortgage loans.

Banks including Astoria Federal Savings, Bank of America, Citibank, HSBC Bank USA, JP Morgan Chase, M & T, North Fork Bank, The Bank of New York and Washington Mutual, offer a variety of affordable mortgage products.  HAC Homeownership Counselors take an initial application and discuss all the steps toward homeownership with the potential homeowner, including obtaining a mortgage, down payment amounts, closing costs and other fees.  HAC also researches banks for the lender with the most favorable product for the client and assists the client through the application process, advocating for the client through processing and underwriting with the lender.  Our Homeownership Counselors act as liaisons between lenders and future homeowners; thus, easing confusion and stress during this process.  In addition, HAC counselors provide budget and credit counseling and guidance through the home buying process.

HAC’s homebuyer counseling program directly operates and refers clients to sources of down payment and closing cost assistance.  Sources of down payment assistance may include the First Home Club described below in which there is a 3:1 match of the customer’s savings of up to $5,000; Individual Development Accounts, in which matching grant awards may be somewhat higher; other grants and loans offered by public or private sources, such as HAC’s Front Door Program.  Income guidelines generally apply but vary depending on county of residence and size of family.

Front Door Program

You may qualify for a grant up to $25,000 for down payment and closing costs if you are income eligible, a first time homebuyer and you currently live in Westchester and would like to purchase in Westchester*.  HAC can also assist you to access additional funds for down payment and closing costs from other sources and for areas outside Westchester*.

First Home Club Schedule of Workshops
Home Buying Tips
Rebuilding a Credit Report