The NYC Homeownership Network
Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) are locked out of the homeownership market due to a variety of systemic barriers. We aim to change this through the network.
About
The New York City Homeownership Network (NYCHN), led by Local Initiatives Support Corporation NY, Neighborhood Housing Services of NYC, and The Center for New York City Neighborhoods, tackles barriers to creating and preserving homeownership for BIPOC individuals. Funded by Wells Fargo’s WORTH Initiative, NYCHN’s partners focus on key areas: The Center manages the TOPA/COPA database, LISC NY oversees the NYC Homeownership Network, and NHS NYC handles the Open Access Fund.
We aim to support 5,000 BIPOC residents of New York City to create and preserve housing by the end of 2025.
OUR SERVICES
With decades of experience supporting New York residents with housing counseling, legal services, down payment assistance, and financial coaching, NYC Homeownership Network will work with you to build stability and security for your family. We offer the following services:
Homeownership Education
- Program Description
- Eligibility Requirements
- First-time Homebuyer Education
Technical Assistance
- Financial Education Seminars
- Legal Counseling
- One-on-One Coaching
- Credit Counseling
- Referral to brokers and appraisers
Lending
- Prequalification
- Mortgage Assistance & Information
- Down Payment Assistance
- Closing Cost
Preservation
- Home Repairs
- Foreclosure Prevention
- Loan Modification
- Property Tax Assistance
- Title and Deed Transfer
OUR PROCESS
Becoming a homeowner can be an overwhelming process. And, no two journeys are alike. Our experienced network members will meet you where you are at.
Track 1: Obtaining Information — no timeline to buy:
NYCHN Support Offered: Educational Resources
✔ General homebuyer resources including fact sheets and tool kits on relevant topics
✔ Training opportunities for practitioners (policy briefings, best practices) and prospective homeowners
Track 2: Actively seeking pre-qualification/ pre-approval prior to home search — 6-12 months out from purchase
NYCHN Support Offered:
✔ One-stop shop for first-time home-buyer counseling scheduling amongst network participants
✔ Database of mortgage options for buyers to ‘shop’ from
✔ Direct connection to down-payment assistance through linkages to housing counselors
Track 3: Pre-approval obtained and viewing properties with intent to purchase in 0-3 months.
NYCHN Support Offered: Professional support directories
✔ Directory of affordable focused marketing agents affordable focused legal counsel home inspectors and homeowner insurance providers
Track 4: Current homeowner focused on stabilization of asset
NYCHN Support Offered: Post Purchase Stabilization Resources
✔ General resources including fact sheets and tool kits
✔ Training opportunities for practitioners (policy briefings, best practices) and existing homeowners
✔ Directories of repair financing options, financial coaching and loan modification services
WHY THE NYC
HOMEOWNERSHIP NETWORK?
Many BIPOC families and individuals in New York City are struggling to afford or preserve homeownership. The NYCHN provides referrals to neighborhood services in all five boroughs. Services are available to all New York City residents interested in owning or preserving their home.
Owning a home is one of the most important steps you can take on the road to financial stability and building wealth, but it’s becoming increasingly out of reach for too many BIPOC families.
Owning a home is one of the most important steps you can take on the road to financial stability and building wealth, but it’s becoming increasingly out of reach for too many families.
We believe the pursuit of homeownership should be available to all, regardless of background, current income or financial standing. Each homeownership journey begins with education, support, and access to resources.
EVENTS GALLERY
PARTNER FIRST TIME
HOMEBUYER SCHEDULE
Harlem Congregations fo Community Improvement Inc
Virtual
Free
English - Spanish
HCCI offers a free virtual 4 - part seminar series on Thursday evenings from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. The series starts the first Thursday of the month and goes through the fourth Thursday of the month. The Spanish sessions are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on the third and fourth weeks of the month.
Chhaya CDC
Virtual
Free
English
Chhaya offers a free, virtual two-part First Time Homebuyer class. Registration is not required. Both sessions need to be completed for the certificate to be rewarded. Topics covered include How to decide if owning a home is right for you; Myths and truths about homeownership; Understanding equity; Resources for downpayment assistance.
NHS NYC
Virtual
Free
English - Spanish
A 5-hour course taught on a Saturday, covering information that all first-time homebuyers should know in order to make well-informed decisions and become an empowered and educated consumer. Courses are led by a certified NHSNYC Homeownership Counselor and include presentations by experts such as loan officers, real estate lawyers, home inspectors, real estate agents and home insurance agents. Key topics include: credit requirements, effective money management techniques and overviews of the mortgage application and home buying processes. Graduates from this course receive an NHSNYC Homeownership Education Certificate.
Bronx NHS
Virtual
Free
English
Monthly 1.5 hour courses.