Home Buyer Services - Employer Assisted Housing Initiative

Good for employees. Good for our community

The Employer Assisted Housing Initiative Program provides an incentive for private employers to encourage their employees to purchase homes in the City of Rochester.

How does it work ?

Employers provide a minimum $1,000 benefit to employees purchasing a home in the City of Rochester. The City of Rochester will match the employer benefit dollar-for-dollar up to $3,000. Please note: Buyer must first apply and be approved for the program, including meeting with Homebuyer Services, prior to executing an offer.

What's in it for you?

Employers who help their employees realize the dream of homeownership retain valued staff and build worker loyalty. Employers can determine their own criteria for implementation of the program which may include limiting geography where employees can purchase, or participating lenders. Employees are provided an incentive to find the perfect city home for themselves and their families, in addition to experiencing a reduction in the cost of purchasing the property.

What does the grant cover?

The grant can be applied toward down payment and closing costs. The grant is also compatible with other grant programs, including Homebuyer Dream, SONYMA's Neighborhood Stabilization Program, and HOME Rochester, as long as the financial institution is acceptable to the employer.

Who qualifies?

Eligible employees must meet employer’s qualifications, not currently own a home in the City of Rochester, live in the property for at least five years, contribute $1,500 of their own funds, qualify for a conventional mortgage, and attend pre-purchase homebuyer training, if a first-time home buyer.