Where Dreams Come Home

The Knowledge to Find and Finance Your New Home

Buying a home is an important decision, so it helps to have experience on your side. Rita and Rob understand the Rochester market and how to use all of the available options – including employer and neighborhood grants – to help you find a home that’s a perfect fit.

Today’s real estate market can be challenging, but working with a team that helps you through every step is a great start. Rita and Rob are here to make sure your path to home ownership is a smooth one.

First-Time Homebuyer Grants Up to $10,000

GRB participates in a number of special promotions and lending programs designed to make the dream of owning a home more accessible.  The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY) offers the Homebuyer Dream Program^TM. 

This program offers a one-time grant of up to $10,000 toward the purchase of a home in New York for qualified participants. 

Eligibility requirements

• 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
• Complete an accredited homeownership course
• Provide a $1,000 equity contribution toward the purchase
• Remain in the home for five years or repay a portion of the grant funds back to FHLBNY

Important information

Grant funds are distributed as follows:

• $9,500 toward down payment and closing costs
• $500 available for homeownership counseling program reimbursement

* Homebuyer Dream Program is a registered trademark of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York.

University of Rochester (U of R) and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Employee Grants

GRB is a preferred lender with both the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology. 

University of Rochester

GRB participates in the University’s Home Ownership Incentive grant program. This program can earn university employees up to $9,000 in grant funds toward the purchase of their first home in qualified neighborhoods.

University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology

Even if not purchasing in designated areas, GRB still offers a $550 discount on closing costs to all university employees.  

City of Rochester Grants

Buying a home in the city of Rochester? Your household could be eligible for a grant of $3,000 toward your closing costs using the city’s Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP). 120% Median Family Income limits in effect.

Visit https://www.cityofrochester.gov/homebuyer/ for more information or call us today!