The NYS Homeownership Network

NYS residents are locked out of the homeownership market due to a variety of systemic barriers. We aim to change this through the network.

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About

The New York State Homeownership Network (NYSHN) brings together trusted nonprofit organizations and housing professionals to help New Yorkers create, sustain, and preserve homeownership.

Buying and keeping a home can be challenging. New Yorkers may face high housing costs, limited access to financing, barriers to down payment and closing costs, or uncertainty about where to turn for trustworthy guidance. NYSHN connects residents with the education, counseling, financial resources, and housing professionals they need to navigate the path to homeownership with confidence.

Why the NYS Home-Ownership Network?

Many NYS residents are struggling to afford or preserve homeownership. The NYSHN provides referrals to neighborhood services in all five boroughs. Services are available to all New York State 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 NYS residents.

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 NYC residents.

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.

Our Services

With decades of experience supporting New York residents with housing counseling, legal services, down payment assistance, and financial coaching, NYS 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

    Mortgage Calculator

    On this screen, please input all information fields, for a preview of what you most likely could afford as a mortgage. This is an estimate, and actual monthly affordability could be different based on lender.

    Mortgage Terminologies And Recommendations

    As a guidance, it is always good to consider your buying power being about 28% of your monthly gross income, OR, 36-43% or your gross monthly income that INCLUDES all other liabilities you have on a monthly basis. Choosing the right mortgage type depends on your financial situation, long-term goals, and personal preferences. Consider factors such as how long you plan to stay in the home, your ability to handle fluctuating payments (for ARMs), and your eligibility for government-backed loans. Consulting with a mortgage advisor can help you make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances. For purposes of this mortgage calculations, the 2 most common types of loan calculations will be used – Fixed or Variable
    As with any offering, there are multiple types of mortgages available in the market, all individuals will not qualify for all types.

    Terminologies

    Mortgages

    • Fixed-Rate Mortgages: Stability and predictability in payments.
    • ARMs: Lower initial rates but variable payments after the fixed period.
    • Interest-Only Mortgages: Lower initial payments with future payment increases.
    • Balloon Mortgages: Low initial payments but a large final payment.

    Loans

    • FHA Loans: Low down payment, flexible credit requirements, and mortgage insurance.
    • VA Loans: No down payment or PMI for eligible borrowers.  Have to be ex-military to qualify.
    • USDA Loans: No down payment for eligible rural areas.  Has to be in a RURAL area.
    • Jumbo Loans: For high-value properties, often with stricter terms.

    Recommendations

    Suggestions on paying off mortgages early are below. Again, each opportunity should be weighted for your unique financial situation;

    – Extra Payments: Make additional principal payments, biweekly payments, or round up your payments.

    – Refinance: Consider refinancing to a shorter term or a lower interest rate.

    – Apply Windfalls: Use tax refunds, bonuses, or extra income towards the mortgage.

    – Increase Payments: Adjust your budget to increase monthly payments.

    – Lump-Sum Payments: Make occasional large payments when possible.

    – Mortgage Accelerators: Check for lender programs that help accelerate payments.

    – Cut Expenses: Reduce unnecessary spending and redirect savings.

    – Maintain Home: Keep your home well-maintained to avoid unexpected costs.

    – Avoid New Debt: Minimize additional debt to stay financially flexible.

    Mortgage Calculator

    Questions about mortgage terms? Check out our quick guide

    Please enter all the required information into the fields and then click the 'Calculate' button to view our recommendations and suggestions.

    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:

    NYSHN 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

    NYSHN 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.

    NYSHN 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

    NYSHN 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

    EVENT CALENDAR

    Events in September 2026

    Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
    August 31, 2026
    September 1, 2026
    September 2, 2026
    September 3, 2026
    September 4, 2026
    September 5, 2026
    September 6, 2026
    September 7, 2026
    September 8, 2026
    September 9, 2026 (1 event)

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    September 9, 2026

    September 10, 2026 (1 event)

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    September 10, 2026

    September 11, 2026
    September 12, 2026 (1 event)

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    September 12, 2026

    September 13, 2026
    September 14, 2026
    September 15, 2026 (2 events)

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    September 15, 2026

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    September 15, 2026

    September 16, 2026 (2 events)

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    September 16, 2026

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    September 16, 2026

    Register online using the more information link.

    September 17, 2026 (1 event)

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    September 17, 2026

    September 18, 2026
    September 19, 2026
    September 20, 2026
    September 21, 2026
    September 22, 2026 (2 events)

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    September 22, 2026

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    September 22, 2026

    September 23, 2026
    September 24, 2026 (1 event)

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    September 24, 2026

    Register using the 'more information' link above.

    September 25, 2026
    September 26, 2026 (1 event)

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    September 26, 2026

    Register using the 'more information' link above.

    September 27, 2026
    September 28, 2026
    September 29, 2026 (1 event)

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    September 29, 2026

    Register using the 'more information' link above.

    September 30, 2026 (1 event)

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    September 30, 2026

    Register using the 'more information' link above.

    October 1, 2026 (1 event)

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    October 1, 2026

    Register by clicking the 'more information' link above.

    October 2, 2026
    October 3, 2026
    October 4, 2026

    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 NYS

    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.