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Whether you are purchasing or refinancing, our team of experienced mortgage professionals will help determine your best options. With local decision making, you’ll get prompt approvals and our team is here for you throughout the process.

We have a number of Traditional Lending options and First-time Home Buyer Grants and Programs designed to help a wide range of homebuyers purchase or refinance a home.

Ready to take the next step toward home ownership?  Contact us via email or call 585.427.9200.

First-time Home Buyer Grants and Programs

GRB participates in a number of special promotions and lending programs designed to make the dream of owning a home more accessible.

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grb family in home

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Homebuyer Dream Program* (HDP)

**NOTE: We are awaiting details regarding Homebuyer Dream Program grants for 2021. If you are interested in the program, please check back at the end of January. We expect to have more details available then.**

GRB and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY) work together to provide grant assistance to qualified first-time homebuyers. The Homebuyer Dream ProgramTM provides grants of up to $10,500 towards the purchase of a home in New York.

Eligibility requirements

home buyer dream program logo
  • Must be first-time homebuyers (have not owned a home individually or with a spouse in the last three years)
  • Reside and purchase a home in New York
  • Have a household income at or below 80% of area median income (i.e., in Monroe and Onondaga counties up to $65,760 for 1- and 2-person households, up to $75,624 for 3+ person households. (Median income numbers are current as of 11/2019)
  • Complete an accredited homeownership course
  • Meet the income and credit requirements for the program
  • Have the minimum equity contribution of $1,000 toward purchase of the home
  • Remain in the home for five years or repay a portion of the grant funds back to FHLBNY

Important information:

  • Up to $10,000 in grant funding is available to be applied to down payment and closing costs
  • Up to $500 in grant funding is available to offset the cost of the homeownership course

 *  The Homebuyer Dream Program is a registered trademark of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York.  Additional program details will be forthcoming.  Please work with your GRB Mortgage Loan Originator to discuss your specific situation.

University of Rochester – University Home Ownership Incentive Program

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GRB is a proud participant in the University Home Ownership Incentive Program for University of Rochester employees.  The program provides funds to University of Rochester employees purchasing homes near the university’s River Campus and Medical Center.  This unique program could provide up to $9,000 toward the purchase of a home. 

Read more about the University Home Ownership Incentive program on the GRBblog. 

Use the map to the right to help determine whether or not a specific property qualifies for the program. Specific street addresses can be located by clicking on the upper lefthand corner of the map (highlighted in yellow below) and then selecting the appropriate neighborhood:

Before putting in a purchase offer for any property, buyers must verify property eligibility and program eligibility through the university’s Benefits Office at 585-275-0476 and complete a grant application through the City of Rochester. 

Traditional Loan Programs

Refinances

As rates rise and fall, the option to refinance a residential home mortgage can be an important tool for homeowners. Refinancing a higher-rate loan can reduce your monthly payment, free up cash for other purposes, or shorten the term on your loan. It’s important to keep an eye on interest rates long after you close on your home. Currently, the market is looking quite favorable for refinancing.

If you closed your loan more than a year ago and have an interest rate of 4.875% or above, refinancing could be beneficial. Contact our mortgage professionals for a free assessment. It takes just minutes to find out!

Conventional Mortgages

The standard of mortgage lending, conventional mortgages are best suited for buyers with high credit scores, and typically, higher amounts available for a down payment. Fixed rate mortgages are best if you are planning to stay in your home for the long term. For the lowest possible initial rate, or if you are planning to move or refinance in a few years, an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) is a better option.

  • For primary homes or investment properties (1-4 units)
  • Cash out refinance available
  • Various loan terms available
  • Down payments can be as low as 5%
  • Seller’s concessions are dependent on down payment

Conventional Plus

With low down payment requirements, help with closing costs, and flexibility with credit scores, a Conventional Plus mortgage is a good option for first-time homebuyers.

  • Down payments as low as 3% for a single family home
  • Down payments as low as 5% for a 2-4 family home
  • 3% seller’s concessions allowed to help pay your closing costs
  • Down Payment Assistance Loan of up to 3% of the home’s purchase price or $3,000, whichever is less

FHA Mortgages

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are federally insured and their low down payment requirements allow greater flexibility for buyers who may not meet conventional loan guidelines.

  • Fixed and adjustable rate options
  • Minimum down payment of 3.5%
  • Up to 6% seller’s concessions to help pay your closing costs
  • Allows gift funds to cover down payment and closing costs
  • Primary residence only, but multi-family homes are eligible
  • Streamlined refinance available

HomeReady

The HomeReady program offers an affordable option to both first time and repeat buyers, thanks to low down payments, flexible fund sources, and cancellable mortgage insurance.

home ready mortgage
  • Down payment as low as 3%
  • Income limits based on geographic location
  • Flexible source of funds for down payment and closing costs
  • No minimum contribution required from borrower’s own funds
  • Cancellable mortgage insurance (some restrictions apply)
  • Homeownership education courses required

VA Mortgages

Available to active duty and retired servicemen and women, U. S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans are federally insured, giving borrowers access to favorable terms.

  • No down payment financing available for eligible veterans
  • Low or no down payment
  • Primary residence only
  • Fixed or adjustable rate options
  • Sellers can pay up to 100% of veteran’s closing costs
  • No required Mortgage Insurance premiums

Follow this link to pay for a VA appraisal online with GRB.

USDA Mortgages

If your house is in a designated rural area and your income falls within certain limits, a U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan can help your family purchase a home.

  • No down payment financing for qualified applicants
  • Up to 6% seller’s concessions to help pay your closing costs
  • Lower Mortgage Insurance requirements than Conventional or FHA loans
  • Primary residence only

Jumbo Mortgage

If you are planning to purchase a larger, more expensive home, you’ll want to consider this special mortgage. Buyers must have strong credit scores and be able to afford larger down payments.

  • Financing for loans of $417,000 or more
  • Fixed and adjustable rate options
  • 20% down payment required

Construction Loans

If you are building a home and need financing throughout the construction process, we can help.

  • Long-term rate lock available
  • End loan can be FHA, VA, Conventional, or Jumbo

Contact Us

For more information on any of these home loan programs, Contact Us.