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Homebuyer dream programs

Saving for a home has never been easier! Sunmark is partnering with the Homebuyer Dream ProgramTM to offer assistance to first-time homebuyers. Grant funding is available while funds last. Please call us at 866.SUNMARK for the most up-to-date information. 


Homebuyer Dream Program Dates: 

  • Round 1: February 10 – August 29, 2025 

  • Round 2: September 9 – November 26, 2025 


Homebuyer dream Program

  • Grant amount up to $20,000 towards down‑payment and closing cost assistance  
  • Household is a first-time homebuyer. As defined by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), a first-time homebuyer is someone who has not had ownership in a principal residence in the last three years. 
  • Household must meet maximum income allowances (less than 80% of Area Median Income) for the county in which they are purchasing property. 
  • Homeownership counseling certificate to be obtained. Certificate can be achieved through various programs, see options listed under section below titled Homeownership Counseling Options. 

Homebuyer dream Program plus (HDP PLUS)

  • Grant amount up to $10,000 towards down‑payment and closing cost assistance  
  • Household is a first-time homebuyer. As defined by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), a first-time homebuyer is someone who has not had ownership in a principal residence in the last three years. 
  • Household must meet maximum income allowances (greater than 80% and less than 120% of Area Median Income) for the county in which they are purchasing property. 
  • Homeownership counseling certificate to be obtained. Certificate can be achieved through various programs, see options listed under section below titled Homeownership Counseling Options. 

homebuyer dream program wealth builder (HDP WB)

  • Grant amount up to $10,000 towards down payment and closing cost assistance.  
  • Income eligibility includes all household incomes up to 120% of AMI. 
  • At least one borrower must qualify as First-Generation Homebuyer. (A First-Generation homebuyer is a borrower whose parents and/or legal guardian does not, and never have owned a home in the United States. Alternately, any borrower who has aged out of foster care is also eligible.) 
OR
 
  • At least one borrower must currently reside in a majority-minority census Tract. (A specific geographic area that has at least 50.01% minority population.) 
  • As defined by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), a first-time homebuyer is someone who has not had ownership in a principal residence in the last three years. 

To find median income limits in NY, please visit the Federal Home Loan Bank of NY’s page here.  For example, in Albany County, 80% AMI is 94,240 for a 2 person household. 

 

Homeownership counseling options

  • Homeownership counseling certificate to be obtained. Certificate can be achieved through various programs, including one of the following:
    • Troy Rehabilitation & Improvement Program (TRIP) / Rensselaer County Housing Resources (RCHR)
    • Albany County Rural Housing Alliance (ACRHA)
    • Better Neighborhoods, Inc (BNI)
    • Affordable Housing Partnership (AHP)
    • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
    • More options available

To apply or to receive more information on either program, fill out the form below, call 866-SUNMARK, or visit any Sunmark location.

Must meet program requirements. Subject to available funding from Federal Home Loan Bank. All programs require the borrower to have a $1,000 equity contribution. The equity contribution can come from a gift. All Homebuyer Dream Programs are on a first come, first served basis, and can only be reserved upon commitment approval.