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RUPCO/RDAC Orange County First-Time Homebuyer Grant

Orange County Rural Development Advisory Corporation (RDAC) / RUPCO · Walden, New York

Last verified
See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

$40,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

$158,032

The household income limit the program publishes

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 10 years

What is RUPCO/RDAC Orange County First-Time Homebuyer Grant?

RUPCO/RDAC Orange County First-Time Homebuyer Grant is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Walden, New York, administered by Orange County Rural Development Advisory Corporation (RDAC) / RUPCO.

  • RUPCO and its Orange County subsidiary RDAC administer an NYS AHC grant for first-time homebuyers purchasing in Orange County, NY. Provides up to $40,000 to assist with down payment, closing costs, and post-purchase home repairs. Provided as a zero-interest deferred forgivable soft second lien requiring 10-year owner-occupancy. Grant amounts tiered by income band; 50% of award must be used for home repairs.
  • Up to $40,000 grant.
  • Covers down payment, closing costs, and repairs.
  • Zero-interest forgivable soft second.
  • 10-year occupancy required for full forgiveness.
  • RUPCO HUD-certified counseling included.
  • Funding comes from NYS Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) via NYS Office of Homes and Community Renewal.

How much assistance does it provide?

RUPCO/RDAC Orange County First-Time Homebuyer Grant offers up to $40,000 in assistance.

  • Award tiers: Grant amounts determined by need and income bands; not all eligible for maximum $40,000.
  • The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Orange County Rural Development Advisory Corporation (RDAC) / RUPCO determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

RUPCO/RDAC Orange County First-Time Homebuyer Grant is forgiven after 10 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Failure to occupy as primary residence for 10 years; sale or transfer of property during lien 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?

RUPCO/RDAC Orange County First-Time Homebuyer Grant 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
  • On credit: Credit review provided by RUPCO counselor
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through RUPCO NeighborWorks Homeownership Center HUD-certified counselors
  • Residency: Purchase within Orange County, NY
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-12): pending review. 50% of grant awarded must be used on home repairs. Processing fees included in grant. Grant amounts determined by need and income band; not all applicants receive maximum. Must secure affordable primary mortgage. Verify fund availability with RDAC before relying on this program. Program page last modified April 2024.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above $158,032

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?

RUPCO/RDAC Orange County First-Time Homebuyer Grant limits household income to $158,032.

  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’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?

RUPCO/RDAC Orange County First-Time Homebuyer Grant can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.

  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

RUPCO/RDAC Orange County First-Time Homebuyer Grant serves buyers purchasing in Walden, New York.

How do you apply?

Applications for RUPCO/RDAC Orange County First-Time Homebuyer Grant go through Orange County Rural Development Advisory Corporation (RDAC) / RUPCO, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through RUPCO NeighborWorks Homeownership Center HUD-certified counselors.

  2. Contact Orange County Rural Development Advisory Corporation (RDAC) / RUPCO 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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