1st Time Homebuyers
Our Personalized First Time Homebuyer Assistance
We know how special the first-time home buying journey is and how intimidating applying for a first-time homebuyer loan can be! Having a trusted team by your side is a necessity for this new journey. Family First is with you every step of the way to help you settle into your dream home!
Getting Started
As Rochester’s premier mortgage lender for First-Time Homebuyers, Family First Credit Union offers numerous mortgage programs to promote homeownership among low to moderate-income individuals throughout Rochester, NY and beyond! Our local mortgage experts are here to help you navigate different products based on income limits, minimum credit scores, and more so you know you’re getting the mortgage that’s right for you.Â
Through our partnership with the State of NY Mortgage Agency (SONYMA), we offer traditional loan programs with low interest rates & low minimum down payments, specifically designed for first-time buyers. Some of the mortgages that we offer include Conventional, USDA, FHA, and VA loans. For additional mortgage solutions and information, click below to learn more!
Homebuyer Dream Program
With Family First and the Homebuyer Dream Program, you can get a grant for up to $30,000 to help you purchase your first home!
The HBD is a grant program offered to eligible first time home buyers that provides up to $30,000 on a first come first serve basis. Grant money can be used towards your down payment and closing costs and as credit towards an approved homeowner counseling program.
This grant program is through the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. It’s important to get pre-approved before then so you’ll be ready to go.Â
All the grants for the 2025 Homebuyer Dream Program that were allotted to Family First have been utilized. Please check back on this page during late Summer/early Fall, as the Federal Home Loan Bank often provides additional grants at that time.Â
SONYMA Mortgages
- Down payments a low as 3% with a Fixed Rate loan
- Availability of Down Payment Assistance Loans of $3,000 or 3% of the home purchase price (whichever is higher; maximum $15,000)
- With borrowers contribution as low as 1%, many of our members who are renting can become homeowners much sooner than they realize
- There are 2 programs available: the Achieving the Dream Program & the Low Interest Rate Program
- SONYMA Mortgages have a maximum income guideline, purchase price limit and are typically only for First-Time Homebuyers
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Resources for 1st-Time Homebuyers
Are you ready to become a homeowner? We’re ready to help! Check out the full recording from our recent First-Time Homebuyer Webinar to hear everything you need to know about the home-buying process from Family First mortgage experts, Ron Kraft and Julie Vella, or download the presentation PDF below!
