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County programDeferred

Home HeadQuarters Closing Cost Assistance

Home HeadQuarters Closing Cost Assistance is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Syracuse, New York, administered by Home HeadQuarters, Inc.

Last verified Source: Home HeadQuarters, Inc.

The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Home HeadQuarters HomeOwnership Center (certified; in person or online via eHomeAmerica); one-on-one counseling required
  • Residency: Own and occupy as primary residence at least 5 years
  • Cash assets not used toward purchase may not exceed $7,500 for the deferred loan. Education course and 1:1 counseling certificate required. Distinct from City-administered 'Syracuse Closing Cost Assistance'.
  • A home in Onondaga County

It doesn’t cover

  • Manufactured homes
  • Purchases above the $150,000 price cap
  • Households above 80% of area median income
  • Homes outside Onondaga County

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

Income limit

80% of Onondaga County’s area median income

HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.

$106,800
Area median income, 4-person household (HUD, 2026)

Where it applies

Onondaga County’s homes

  • 63.7% single-family
  • 4.2% townhouse
  • 12.4% 2–4 units
  • 18.6% 5+ units
  • 1.1% mobile & other

A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.

$200,200

Onondaga County median home value

69.9%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Onondaga County

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Home HeadQuarters HomeOwnership Center (certified; in person or online via eHomeAmerica); one-on-one counseling required.

  2. Contact Home HeadQuarters, Inc. to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through First come, first served; while supplies last, 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 homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Questions about this program

What is Home HeadQuarters Closing Cost Assistance?

Home HeadQuarters Closing Cost Assistance is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Syracuse, New York, administered by Home HeadQuarters, Inc. Home HeadQuarters, a Syracuse-based nonprofit CDFI and NeighborWorks member, offers Closing Cost Assistance to first-time buyers. City of Syracuse buyers below 80% AMI (or in an NRSA) may receive up to $4,000 as a deferred, non-payback loan forgiven after 5 years. Buyers elsewhere in NY (excluding NYC) may borrow up to $5,000 as a 5-year repayable loan at 3% (below 80% AMI) or up to 6%. Reduces out-of-pocket closing costs. Non-payback option for income-qualified City of Syracuse buyers. Stackable with HHQ no-PMI first mortgage. Funding comes from Federal (CDBG/HOME) and Home HeadQuarters program funds.

How much assistance does it provide?

Home HeadQuarters Closing Cost Assistance offers between $500 and $5,000 in assistance. Award tiers: Tier 1: up to $4,000 deferred non-payback loan for City of Syracuse buyers below 80% AMI or in an NRSA (price <= $150,000). Tier 2: up to $5,000 repayable loan (3% if below 80% AMI, otherwise up to 6%) over 5 years, statewide excluding NYC. Homebuyer contribution: Borrower must provide at least $500 of own funds. The program can be combined with HHQ first mortgage (2% down, no PMI) or other bank/credit union financing. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Home HeadQuarters, Inc. determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Home HeadQuarters Closing Cost Assistance is forgiven after 5 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by Deferred (non-payback) loan forgiven after 5 years owner-occupancy in City of Syracuse; repayable loans amortize over 5 years. The assistance is recorded in Subordinate position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Home HeadQuarters Closing Cost Assistance 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 Home HeadQuarters HomeOwnership Center (certified; in person or online via eHomeAmerica); one-on-one counseling required. Residency requirement: Own and occupy as primary residence at least 5 years. Cash assets not used toward purchase may not exceed $7,500 for the deferred loan. Education course and 1:1 counseling certificate required. Distinct from City-administered 'Syracuse Closing Cost Assistance'.

What are the income limits?

Home HeadQuarters Closing Cost Assistance limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Deferred loan: gross household income below 80% AMI for the Syracuse MSA (also Onondaga, Oswego, Madison), OR property in a City of Syracuse NRSA. Repayable loan available regardless of income (3% rate below 80% AMI). 80% AMI 2026-2027: 1 $59,850; 4 $85,450; 8 $112,800. The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower&rsquo;s. The program lists a maximum household size of 8. 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?

Home HeadQuarters Closing Cost Assistance caps the purchase price at $150,000. Eligible property types include Single Family and 2-4 Unit. New construction is eligible. Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Home HeadQuarters Closing Cost Assistance serves homebuyers purchasing in Syracuse, New York. The program targets specific areas: City of Syracuse Neighborhood Revitalization Stabilization Areas (NRSA).

How do you apply?

Applications for Home HeadQuarters Closing Cost Assistance go through Home HeadQuarters, Inc., which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through First come, first served; while supplies last. 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.

Also for Onondaga County homebuyers

Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.

All 66 programs for Onondaga County

Program terms are set by Home HeadQuarters, Inc. and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.