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The First-Time Homebuyer Program

Sponsored by the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning to assist eligible families in becoming homeowners.

Assistance will be a deferred loan that can be forgiven after ten years if program guidelines are followed. Applicants will be selected on a first come, first served basis after qualifying and submitting an approved contract of sale.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance, between $3,000 and $14,000, is available to assist with down payment, closing costs, and to reduce the cost of the house.

Re-Payment of Loan

The homebuyer will not be required to repay the loan if the purchased unit remains occupied by the original homebuyer for a period of five years from the date of purchace.

Criteria for Participation

1. The applicant must not have owned a home within the past three years unless one of the following apply:
   

   - The applicant is a single parent, owned a home with his or her former spouse when married, or resided in a home owned by the former spouse.

   - The applicant owns and resides in a house that is not affixed to permanent foundation.
   
   

2. The purchased property must be a single or two-family home and cannot exceed an appraised value of: $120,000.
   
   
3. The property must be owner-occupied after purchase.
   
   
4. The property must be located within the Town of West Seneca.
   
   
5. Household gross income must not exceed the income figures below:
   
   

   Number of Persons In Owner Household

   Maximum Income

   1 person	$35,550
   2 persons	$40,650
   3 persons	$45,700
   4 persons	$50,800
   5 persons	$54,850
   6 persons	$58,950
   7 persons	$63,000
   8 persons or more	$67,050

   
   
6. The property must be free of lead-based paint hazards.
   
   
7. The property must satisfy HUD housing quality standards and local building code requirements.

Mortgage Processing

M & T Mortgage Corporation is the designated preferred lender for the program.
M & T will offer mortgage packages at favorable rates for program participants.

The Homebuyer must provide:

1% of the required down payment.

additional down payment and closing costs as determined by the bank.

Other Features of the Program

Pre-purchase and post-purchase homebuyer counseling.

For more information

Call

Nancy Dollard
Community Development Loan Officer

at
Erie County Environment and Planning
Edward A. Rath County Office Building
95 Franklin Street
Buffalo, New York 14202

858-7491
or
558-3219

Equal Housing Opportunity

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Housing Rehabilitation Program

How Can the Program Help Me?

•   It allows low and moderate income homeowners to make essential repairs now, and at affordable costs!
  
  
•   It takes the worry out of home repairs because our experienced staff is available to advise you at no cost.

Who Can Participate?

•   The property must be located within the Town of West Seneca.
  
  
•   The property must be owner occupied, one to four family dwelling.
  
  
•   All households must have adequate hazard insurance, and where applicable, flood insurance.
  
  
•   Local property and school taxes must be current.
  
  
•   The gross household income, which is based on household size, must not exceed the following income figures.
  
  

  Number of Persons In Owner Household

  Maximum Income

  1 person	$35,550
  2 persons	$40,650
  3 persons	$45,700
  4 persons	$50,800
  5 persons	$54,850
  6 persons	$58,950
  7 persons	$63,000
  8 persons or more	$67,050

  
  
•   :Income Limits are adjusted annually by HUD.

What Repairs are Eligible?

Typical work items include reroofing, energy conservation, siding repair and/or replacement, and the upgrading of mechanical systems, such as plumbing, heating, and electric.

Essential handicapped accessibility work is also eligible.

Lead Paint - Houses constructed prior to 1978 must undergo assessment for the presence of lead-based paint hazards. Any harzards found must be reduced to appropriate federal standards as part of the rehabilitation work.

What Form of Financial Assistance is Available?

Financial assistance is provided in the form of:

•   Low Interest Standard Repayable Loans - Repayment is expected to be completed in one to fifteen years, depending on the size of the loan.
  
  Loan repayments begin 30 days after completion of the work.
  
  
•   Deferred Loans - Repayment is deferred for low income households. The loan must be repaid upon sale or transfer in ownership of the house.
  
  Loans are issued at fixed interest rates of 0% or 3.0%, depending on income.

How Does the Program Work?

•   Competitive bidding is required from contractors to assure a fair price for work to be done.
  
  
•   Homeowners select their own contractor.
  
  
•   The County trained housing staff will supervise the work that is being done.

For more information

Call

Nancy Dollard
Community Development Officer

at
Erie County Environment and Planning
Edward A. Rath County Office Building
95 Franklin Street
Buffalo, New York 14202

858-7491
or
558-3219

Equal Housing Opportunity