hey prescott.
See what you qualify for

OHDC First-Time Homebuyers Program (NYS HCR Down Payment Assistance)

Oswego Housing Development Council, Inc. (OHDC) · Oswego County, New York

Last verified
See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

$15,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

$82,800

The household income limit the program publishes

Repayment

Grant

Not repaid

What is OHDC First-Time Homebuyers Program (NYS HCR Down Payment Assistance)?

OHDC First-Time Homebuyers Program (NYS HCR Down Payment Assistance) is a grant for homebuyers in Oswego County, New York, administered by Oswego Housing Development Council, Inc. (OHDC).

  • OHDC administers the NYS HCR Down Payment Assistance Program for Oswego County, providing grants to eligible first-time homebuyers for down payment, closing costs, and moderate rehabilitation of newly purchased homes. Up to $15,000 is available toward down payment. Applicants must be income-eligible (HUD FY2026 limits), purchasing in Oswego County, able to obtain a mortgage, and must complete OHDC's homebuyer education. The program operates a first-come, first-served waiting list.
  • Up to $15,000 toward down payment (plus closing costs and sometimes moderate rehab).
  • No fees for OHDC services.
  • Can be combined with USDA mortgage programs.
  • Funding comes from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (NYS HCR) Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA).

How much assistance does it provide?

OHDC First-Time Homebuyers Program (NYS HCR Down Payment Assistance) offers up to $15,000 in assistance.

  • The program can be combined with USDA Rural Development mortgage programs.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Oswego Housing Development Council, Inc. (OHDC) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

OHDC First-Time Homebuyers Program (NYS HCR Down Payment Assistance) is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

OHDC First-Time Homebuyers Program (NYS HCR Down Payment Assistance) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: A person who has not owned a home in the past 3 years is considered a first-time homebuyer.
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Applicant must be able to qualify for a regular mortgage loan; credit history requested on application.
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Oswego Housing Development Council (OHDC) homebuyer education curriculum
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-14): pending review. Confirmed from OHDC website + application PDF: grant up to $15,000; HUD FY2026 income limits by household size; FTHB (3-yr rule); homebuyer education required; first-come waiting list (active, not closed); no single-wide manufactured homes. UNCONFIRMED (null): precise grant structure (lien, forgiveness, recapture) - OHDC labels it a 'grant' but publishes no term sheet; min credit score, DTI, max purchase price, min contribution.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above $82,800

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?

OHDC First-Time Homebuyers Program (NYS HCR Down Payment Assistance) limits household income to $82,800.

  • 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?

OHDC First-Time Homebuyers Program (NYS HCR Down Payment Assistance) can be used for Single Family.

  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

OHDC First-Time Homebuyers Program (NYS HCR Down Payment Assistance) serves buyers purchasing in Oswego County, New York.

How do you apply?

Applications for OHDC First-Time Homebuyers Program (NYS HCR Down Payment Assistance) go through Oswego Housing Development Council, Inc. (OHDC), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Oswego Housing Development Council (OHDC) homebuyer education curriculum.

  2. Contact Oswego Housing Development Council, Inc. (OHDC) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served waiting list, 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.

Learn this program

Short reads on how it works, in plain language. Free, no sign-up needed to read.

Free course from Hey Prescott

OHDC First-Time Homebuyers Program (NYS HCR Down Payment Assistance), explained

A short, free course on OHDC First-Time Homebuyers Program (NYS HCR Down Payment Assistance): what it is, who it is for, whether it has to be paid back, where it applies and how to apply. Based on program data from July 2026. About ten minutes.

5 modules · About 10 minutes

Read the course

90-second match

Not sure which you qualify for?

Answer 9 questions and we'll match you to every program you can actually use — in about 90 seconds. No SSN, no credit pull.

Find my programs