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.

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

City of Elmira First-Time Homebuyer Program is forgiven after 10 years, so a homebuyer 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.

City of Elmira First-Time Homebuyer Program is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time homebuyer" usually means not having owned a home in the last three years, but the program sets its own definition. A homebuyer education course is required, through Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler First Time Home Buyer Workshops. Residency requirement: Home must be purchased within the City of Elmira. 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').

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.

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

City of Elmira First-Time Homebuyer Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Elmira, New York. Targeted neighborhoods: City of Elmira only.

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