First-Time Homebuyers
Genesee Co-op specializes in helping people become First-Time Homebuyers! We offer our personalized underwriting for every loan, participate in Federal Home Loan Bank of New York grant programs, and work with partner organizations.
In addition to offering the Homebuyer Dream Program and HDP+ program, we also support borrowers to work with the City of Rochester Home Purchase Assistance Program, and are an approved lender for HOME Rochester & Buy the Block properties!
Homebuyer Dream Program® 2025 round! Opens February 10th
Members must meet qualification requirements and be a first-time homebuyer Receive up to $20,000, with $19,500 toward your down payment and closing costs and $500 toward homebuyer education. Reservations are given to eligible individuals on a first come, first serve basis.
Please note, there is no guarantee that funds will be available when your Reservation Request is submitted. The grant is provided from the Federal Home Loan Bank of NY program and subject to their approval.
Program Qualifications
- One borrower must be a first-time homebuyer, define as someone who has not owned a home in the past three years.
- Homebuyer must live in a household at or below 80% of Area Median Income, including all household income. Maximum income is 80% of AMI with different limits for 1&2 Person Households and 3+ Person Households.
- Homebuyer must purchase a home in New York State within Genesee Co-op's program area* and remain in that home as their primary residence for 5 years from the closing date or repay a prorated share of the HDP Grant.
- Homebuyer must receive a mortgage from Genesee Co-op FCU.
- Homebuyer must contribute at least $1,000 and have proof of $2,000 of available assets at the time of application.
- Homebuyer must complete Homeownership Counseling Certificate from a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency. Approved agencies include The Housing Council at Pathstone and CCCS of Rochester (Note the coupon available for online training through CCCS of Rochester).
Contact for more information, or call us at 585-461-2230.
Homebuyer Dream Program® Plus 2025 Round Opens February 10th
Members must meet qualification requirements and be a first-time homebuyer Receive up to $20,000, with $19,500 toward your down payment and closing costs and $500 toward homebuyer education. Reservations are given to eligible individuals on a first come, first serve basis.
Please note, there is no guarantee that funds will be available when your Reservation Request is submitted. The grant is provided from the Federal Home Loan Bank of NY program and subject to their approval.
Program Qualifications
- One borrower must be a first-time homebuyer, define as someone who has not owned a home in the past three years.
- Homebuyer must live in a household between 80% and 120% of Area Median Income, including all household income. Different limits for 1&2 Person Households and 3+ Person Households.
- Homebuyer must purchase a home in New York State within Genesee Co-op's program area* and remain in that home as their primary residence for 5 years from the closing date or repay a prorated share of the HDP Grant.
- Homebuyer must receive a mortgage from Genesee Co-op FCU.
- Homebuyer must contribute at least $1,000 and have proof of $2,000 of available assets at the time of application.
- Homebuyer must complete Homeownership Counseling Certificate from a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency. Approved agencies include The Housing Council at Pathstone and CCCS of Rochester.
Contact for more information, or call us at 585-461-2230.
Homebuyer Dream Program® Wealth Builder
Program Qualifications
- Must meet the requirements of one of the HDP or HDP Plus Program AND
- Currently reside in a majority-minority census tract
- Qualify as a First-Generation Homebuyer
*Genesee Co-op's Program Area is the following areas: Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, and Wayne Counties.
The Homebuyer Dream Program® (HDP®) is a registered trademark of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY). Additional program details regarding the HDP are available on the FHLBNY’s website at https://www.fhlbny.com/community/housing-programs/hdp/. Members must meet qualification requirements and be a first-time homebuyer. FHLBNY develops all rules qualifies all homeowners for the grant programs. For grant purposes household income is calculate based on FHLBNY rules. Genesee Co-op is not responsible for any incorrect descriptions of grant rules, or decisions of the FHLBNY to deny a grant or interpret the rules.
Our Members make the difference.
Member Since 1993
"I was working at Godiva's clothing store on Monroe Avenue when the credit union opened just down the street; so I decided to use them for my checking and savings accounts. Everyone there was friendly and community-oriented. Then I needed a used car loan and they helped with that too. Most importantly, in 2004, I got my mortgage through them, a 30-year-fixed at less than 6 percent interest. It took about a year to secure because the house had to be rehabilitated but they helped me discover the Southwedge Planning Committee to make it happen. It was exciting. They also helped my wife, who is from Colombia (South America), establish credit. In the meantime, they've helped me with my second and third car loans. I like the fact that they're in the neighborhood and when you walk in, the atmosphere just feels friendly. One of my friends had her artwork displayed on the walls. The credit union has helped me a lot and I've always referred my friends there."