First-Time Homebuyer Program

Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make—and we’re here to make sure you don’t have to do it alone. Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN), an affiliate of Fifth Avenue Committee (FAC), is a HUD-certified housing counseling agency with deep experience in homeownership education and counseling. Our program supports low- and moderate-income households with the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to build generational wealth through sustainable homeownership. From financial counseling to down payment assistance, we’ll help you prepare, plan, and purchase with confidence. 

HOW TO BUY A HOME

Buying a home can feel overwhelming, but 我们的 team is here to help you understand the process and be prepared at each stage along the way.

  1. Attend our free Introduction to Homebuying Workshop. 
  2. Complete the eHome America-certified Homebuyer Education course.
  3. If needed, get financial readiness coaching.
  4. Work one-on-one with our home buying counselor to develop your personal workplan.
  5. Loan and grant screening and pre-approval process.
  6. Shop for a home.
  7. Mortgage application.
  8. Prepare for closing.
  9. Welcome to homeownership!
  10. Homeowner support programs. 

INTRODUCTION TO HOMEBUYING WORKSHOP

If you are thinking about buying a home and are not sure where to start then our Introduction to Homebuying Workshop can help you! In 我们的 free, virtual sessions you will:

  • Learn the steps to homeownership.
  • Understand how a HUD-certified housing counselor can help you set goals, build a budget, and prepare for mortgage approval.
  • Gain insights from trusted mortgage lenders and real estate agents into financing and finding the right home.
  • Ask questions directly to our team of experts. 

Upcoming workshop sessions, click to register.

“Neighbors Helping Neighbors, along with the Home First Down Payment Assistance program, helped me to achieve homeownership, and most importantly, to be able to remain in NYC where I have lived for over 20 years amongst friends and family.”

– Eimi Tanaka, First Time Homebuyer participant 

FINANCIAL READINESS & COACHING

Need help with budgeting, credit repair, or debt management? FAC offers personalized financial coaching, including:

  • One-on-one financial counseling
  • Credit and debt management
  • Budgeting support
  • Guidance on mortgage loan readiness 

 

Set up an Appointment NOW

OUR PREFERRED MORTGAGE LENDING PARTNERS

NHN 是 a member 的 Abode Alliance which is dedicated to expanding sustainable homeownership opportunities for underserved individuals and families in Metro New York. With over 15 participating financial institutions, this partnership provides competitive fixed-rate loans to home buyers which include closing costs and down payment subsidies on a need basis. Learn more 在 your homebuyer counseling sessions. 

Our Mortgage Lending Partners

GRANT/LOAN SEARCH TOOL

Wondering which grants and loans might be available to you? Check out our search tool to see what you might qualify 为了, once you’ve completed our education and counseling program. 

Check out our search tool
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SUPPORT FOR HOMEOWNERS

Already a homeowner? We offer help with Foreclosure prevention, home repairs and solar energy upgrades. 

Foreclosure prevention counseling:

NHN provides free advocacy and support to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. NHN’s counselors are HUD-certified and have been trained in foreclosure prevention counseling by the nationally recognized NeighborWorks Center for Homeownership Education and Counseling. Through one-on-one guidance, we help homeowners develop a budget, explore refinancing options and loan modifications, obtain rescue funds and property tax reductions, and access other resources to help them resolve their financial hardships.  Our goal is to help homeowners make informed decisions that maximize their financial stability and help them preserve their assets.  

Set up an Appointment to get started!

Reduce Your Energy Costs with 巴里奥太阳能

巴里奥太阳能 is an affordable rooftop solar leasing program designed to help low- and moderate-income homeowners in Brooklyn save money and access clean energy. We offer subsidized solar leases for 1-3 family homes, passing federal, state, and local incentives to make solar power more accessible.

Benefits of joining Barrio Solar: 

  • Lower monthly energy bills (targeting 20% savings)
  • Access to clean, renewable energy
  • No upfront costs
  • Ongoing support and production guarantee
  • The option to own your solar system in the future 

Get started today and schedule a free consultation and see if you qualify!

 

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FAC and our affiliate organizations welcome people of all backgrounds and identities to apply to and participate in our programs and services.

FAQs

Pre-purchase counseling is a free service to help you prepare for homeownership. We offer education, personalized guidance, and resources to help you become a successful homebuyer. Our counseling extends through the entire purchase process.
Anyone interested in buying a home—whether you’re just starting to think about it or are ready to purchase—can participate. Our services are open to all, especially first-time homebuyers in Brooklyn and surrounding areas. Our counseling is available regardless of credit, income or status.
The counseling process includes: -Free tri-merge credit report at your first session -A written action plan reviewing your credit, income, and savings, with steps to reach your homeownership goals -Guidance on determining an affordable purchase price -Analysis of which down payment and closing cost assistance programs you may qualify for -Assistance with credit issue -Help crafting a savings plan
Our counseling services are completely free of charge.
We use analytical tools to connect you to programs such as: -HPD’s HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Grant -SONYMA (State of New York Mortgage Agency) programs -Other grants and lender-specific assistance
The first step is to complete our homebuyer education certification course through Ehome. Use our special discount code for $25 off the course fee.
Yes! We host monthly homebuyer webinars featuring guest speakers from various lenders and partner organizations. Topics change each month and cover everything from mortgage options to home inspections.
We recommend bringing: -Recent pay stubs or proof of income -Bank statements -Identification -Any questions you have about the homebuying process -Come prepared to discuss spending and create a written budget.
Register for one of our webinars to get more info.
Absolutely! All your personal and financial information is kept strictly confidential and is only used to help you achieve your homeownership goals.
Foreclosure prevention counseling is a free service. Our counselors work with you to create a personalized plan to avoid foreclosure and keep your home.
Any homeowner who is struggling with their mortgage, has received a foreclosure notice, or wants to avoid future issues can use our services. We also offer non-delinquency post-purchase counseling and education.
All of our counseling and education services are completely free of charge.
Contact us immediately! You may have only 30 days to respond. Our counselors can help you understand your options and connect you with free legal assistance.
Yes. We work closely with trusted legal partners as a member of the NY Attorney General’s Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) and can connect you with free legal services to guide you through your foreclosure case.
Yes, there may be grants available to help pay mortgage arrears or make necessary home repairs. We can help you determine your eligibility and apply for these programs.
Absolutely! Our counselors can assist you in negotiating with your lender for repayment plans, loan modifications, or forbearance agreements to help you stay in your home.
Deed theft is when scammers trick homeowners into signing over the deed to their property, often under false pretenses. You do not have to pay for foreclosure help or sign documents you don’t fully understand. Our agency and our partners provide all services for free and will help you avoid scams.
Elderly homeowners and families of color are especially targeted by scammers and home flippers. If you or a loved one is contacted by anyone offering foreclosure help for a fee, contact us right away.
We have helped hundreds of families avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes.
Call us or reach out through our website to schedule a confidential, free counseling session. The sooner you contact us, the more options you’ll have.
Yes! After 7 years on the lease, you can purchase the solar panel system at its current reduced market value.
-Solar1 -Accord Power -Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Barrio Solar offers a 10-year production guarantee. If your system underperforms, you will receive cash payments to compensate for the shortfall.
-The federal solar subsidy (passed down directly in your lease) -State and local solar incentives -Additional assistance to maximize your savings
Homeowners who: -Own a 1-4 family home in Brooklyn -Have a household income at or below 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) -Are interested in reducing their energy costs and carbon footprint