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City of Elmira First-Time Homebuyer Program

Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler (on behalf of City of Elmira Dept. of Community Development) · Elmira, New York

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Assistance

$20,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 10 years

What is City of Elmira First-Time Homebuyer Program?

City of Elmira First-Time Homebuyer Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Elmira, New York, administered by Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler (on behalf of City of Elmira Dept. of Community Development).

  • The City of Elmira contracts with Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler to provide income-eligible, low-to-moderate-income first-time homebuyers a $20,000 grant toward down payment and closing costs to purchase a home in the City of Elmira. The assistance is forgiven after ten years of continued owner-occupancy. Buyers must contribute a minimum $1,000 down payment and complete the First Time Home Buyer Workshop. As of 7/1/2024 the program reports 488 successful first-time homebuyers.
  • $20,000 forgivable down payment and closing cost grant.
  • Fully forgiven after 10 years of owner-occupancy.
  • Funding comes from Federal HOME/CDBG funds administered by the City of Elmira Department of Community Development.

How much assistance does it provide?

City of Elmira First-Time Homebuyer Program offers up to $20,000 in assistance.

  • Buyer contribution: Buyer must provide a minimum down payment of $1,000.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler (on behalf of City of Elmira Dept. of Community Development) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

City of Elmira First-Time Homebuyer Program is forgiven after 10 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer, or cessation of owner-occupancy before the end of the 10-year forgiveness period.
  • The assistance is recorded in second position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

City of Elmira First-Time Homebuyer Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler First Time Home Buyer Workshops
  • Residency: Home must be purchased within the City of Elmira
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-13): pending review. LOAN TERM: $20,000 DPA/closing-cost forgivable second-mortgage grant, 0% interest, forgiven after 10 years of owner-occupancy; due on sale/transfer/loss of owner-occupancy before 10 years. Min buyer down payment $1,000. First-time buyer + income-eligible. Catholic Charities homebuyer workshop required. DPA only for purchases within the City of Elmira. ACTIVE: Catholic Charities 'Buying a Home' page (2026 copyright; '488 successful first-time homebuyers as of 7/1/24'). GAP NOTES: an older City/Network-of-Care listing described $8,000 forgiven over 5 years; current administering-agency figures ($20,000/10-year) treated as authoritative - confirm with City of Elmira CD. Blank/unconfirmed: exact income limits/AMI %, max purchase price, min credit score, max DTI, recapture/IRS provisions, annual funding cap, participating lenders.

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

City of Elmira First-Time Homebuyer Program sets its income limit as follows: Low- to moderate-income households per HUD limits (specific limits not published on administering-agency page).

  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

City of Elmira First-Time Homebuyer Program can be used for Single Family.

Where does it apply?

City of Elmira First-Time Homebuyer Program serves buyers purchasing in Elmira, New York.

  • Targeted neighborhoods: City of Elmira only.

How do you apply?

Applications for City of Elmira First-Time Homebuyer Program go through Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler (on behalf of City of Elmira Dept. of Community Development), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler First Time Home Buyer Workshops.

  2. Contact Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler (on behalf of City of Elmira Dept. of Community Development) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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