Acquisition Rehabilitation Program (ARP)

Heart of the City Neighborhoods introduced the Acquisition Rehabilitation Program (ARP) to provide safe affordable housing opportunities for low to moderate income, first time homebuyers on the Lower West Side of Buffalo.

Working in conjunction with Housing in Urban Development (HUD) and the City of Buffalo; Heart of the City Neighborhoods introduced this program to revitalize neglected homes and restore this once vibrant and historic neighborhood.

This program targets homes which are considered neighborhood nuisances and problem properties in an effort to eliminate blight and the negative perceptions associated with urban living.

Rehabilitation on an ARP home will usually include new mechanics, updated plumbing, electrical, and gas systems, updated kitchens and bathrooms, replacement of windows and doors, in addition to new floor coverings. When rehabilitation is complete the renewed home is then sold at market rate regardless of rehabilitation costs.

In addition to the complete rehabilitation of the home, purchase assistance may be available to qualified buyers through grants and low interest loan programs. This formula assures affordability making an ARP home ideal for first time homebuyers who have limited capital for extensive home repairs, updates, and purchase.

ARP homes have had many long-term positive effects on the new homeowners and on the neighborhoods where they are located.

Program Guidelines (ARP)

• Purchaser MUST qualify as a first time homebuyer
• Purchaser MUST occupy the ARP home as their primary residence
• Purchaser MUST apply for traditional mortgage financing
• Purchaser MUST meet income guidelines (See income guidelines)
• Purchaser MUST complete homebuyer education training before closing

Income Guidelines (ARP)

Home Improvement Loans

HCN has partnered with West Side NHS to begin application intake for Owner Occupied Emergency repair loans. The low interest loan (0% to current bank rate) approved up to $5,000. This loan is designed for emergencies only (i.e. new furnace, water/sewer service, foundation problems, etc.) and will be determined by the Executive Director and Loan Chairperson of West Side NHS.

Program Guidelines (Home Improvement Loans)

• Home must be owner occupied
• Applicant must meet West Side NHS income guidelines
• Home must be insured
• Home must be located in the Lower West Side Service area (see map for illustration)

Application Requirements (Home Improvement Loans)

• $50.00 application fee
• Name, Social Security numbers & date of birth for all in household
• Deed to property
• Mortgage information
• Payroll stubs for past two months
• Current Monthly bank statements
• Most Recent Federal Tax Return
• Proof of all expenses: credit cards, loans, etc.
• Water, Sewer and property tax receipts
• Utility Bills: Two copies of each most recent bill
• Proof of all income