First-Time Homebuyer Resources

Buying a home is the American dream. Heart of the City believes that no one should be denied the opportunity of home ownership. Its important to know what to expect to avoid the challenges that many homeowners face. We offer resources to help first-time homebuyers prepare for the purchase of their home.

Considering becoming a homeowner? Ready to take the next step? HOCN is here to help you!

“The biggest [benefit of owning your home] is the investment aspect. Aside from that, however, freedom.”
Adam Weekley
First Time Homebuyer through Heart of the City

“Owning a home helps my children think, ‘I am someone’. This is their home.”
Meshack Emue
Nigerian Immigrant & Successful Homeowner

How HOCN Can Help

Heart of the City assists homeowners with grants and low-interest loan programs when available. Contact us for direct assistance! Contact Us

Home Ownership Provides Equity (H.O.P.E.) Program

Heart of the City provides an opportunity for first-time homebuyers to purchase a quality, long-term affordable home under our H.O.P.E. Program. Looking to purchase your first home? Find out more about our H.O.P.E. Program

Doing Our Part

HOCN made a conscious decision at the time of our formation of the organization that we would not duplicate services offered by other agencies and thus work with sister housing agencies to provide loan processing, pre and post homebuyer education counseling, and foreclosure prevention workshops.

However, there are still residential development services that we provide to new and current homeowners in our service area, so call us in the event the programs listed below don’t quite address your current housing dilemma!

Partner Resources

Educational Opportunities

Homebuyer Education Classes
Homebuyer Education Classes to teach first time homebuyers what they need to know and expect! HomeFront, Inc. Buffalo: Please visit HomeFront Buffalo

West Side Neighborhood Housing Services: Please visit West Side Neighborhood Housing Services

Belmont Housing Resources for WNY: Please visit Belmont Housing Resources for WNY

Financial Education Workshop
Financial Education Workshops help potential homebuyers and current homeowners understand the basics of personal budgeting and household finance.

Please visit HomeFront Buffalo

Financial Assistance Resources

First Home Club
The First Home Club program allows eligible first-time homebuyers to receive up to $7500 in grant funds! Please visit HomeFront Buffalo

Queen City Homebuyer Assistance
Queen City Homebuyer Assistance offers financial assistance to first-time homebuyers! Please visit HomeFront Buffalo

Post-Purchase Homebuyer Education
Learn how to keep your home affordable. Please visit Belmont Housing Resources for WNY

Down Payment and Closing Cost Program
The City of Buffalo offers assistance to first-time homebuyers with their down payments and closing costs! Please visit West Side Neighborhood Housing Services or The Matt Urban Center

NeighborWorks® Closing Cost Loan
West Side Neighborhood Housing Services offers loans to first-time homebuyers to assist with closing cost payments. Please visit West Side Neighborhood Housing Services