Westchester County Home Ownership Initiative

What is Westchester County Home Ownership Initiative?

Westchester County Home Ownership Initiative is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in White Plains, New York, administered by Westchester County Department of Planning (administered through HUD-approved housing counseling agencies CHI, WRO).

• Westchester County provides $25,000 to income-eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing a house, condominium, or cooperative anywhere in Westchester County. Gross household income must be at or below 80% AMI. Assistance is a forgivable silent second; owner must occupy for a specified period. Typically accessed through HUD-approved agencies CHI or WRO. Stackable with SONYMA, FHLBNY HDP, and CHI AHC grants.
• $25,000 forgivable assistance.
• Covers down payment and/or closing costs.
• Available county-wide in Westchester.
• Stackable with state and federal programs.
• Administered by HUD-approved nonprofit agencies.
• Funding comes from Westchester County.

How much assistance does it provide?

Westchester County Home Ownership Initiative offers up to $25,000 in assistance.

• The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Westchester County Department of Planning (administered through HUD-approved housing counseling agencies CHI, WRO) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Westchester County Home Ownership Initiative is a forgivable loan, so the balance is forgiven once the program's conditions are met.

• Repayment is triggered by Sale, move-out, or violation of mortgage terms; all or portion must be repaid.
• 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?

Westchester County Home Ownership Initiative is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Westchester County Home Ownership Initiative limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Gross household income at or below 80% of area median income by household size; specific dollar limits per 2025 Westchester AMI table.
• 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?

Westchester County Home Ownership Initiative can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Co-op.

Where does it apply?

Westchester County Home Ownership Initiative serves buyers purchasing in White Plains, New York.

How do you apply?

Applications for Westchester County Home Ownership Initiative go through Westchester County Department of Planning (administered through HUD-approved housing counseling agencies CHI, WRO), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through HUD-approved housing counseling agency (CHI or WRO).

2. 2

   Contact Westchester County Department of Planning (administered through HUD-approved housing counseling agencies CHI, WRO) to reserve funds

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

3. 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.