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Home Buyer Dream Program

Up to $20,000 for your new home

Turn Your Dream Home into Reality

Saving for a home has never been easier! Sunmark Credit Union is partnering with the Homebuyer Dream Program™ to offer financial assistance to first-time homebuyers throughout New York. Our program provides grants up to $20,000 that can be used toward your down payment, closing costs, or other homebuying expenses. 

Whether you're a first-generation homebuyer or ready to take the next step in your financial journey, we're here to help you achieve your homeownership goals. With flexible qualification options and expert guidance from our mortgage team, we make the path to homeownership more accessible. 

Grant funding is available while funds last, with two application rounds in 2025: 


  • Round 1: February 10 – August 29, 2025 
  • Round 2: September 9 – November 26, 2025 (Estimated Dates)

The second round is not guaranteed.

Choose Your Dream Program

Three program options designed to meet different homebuyer needs and income levels. Find the program that's right for your homeownership journey.

Homebuyer Dream Program (HDP)

Perfect for first-time homebuyers earning up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)

  • Up to $20,000 in grant funding 
  • Down payment assistance 
  • Closing cost assistance 
  • Income limit: 80% AMI 
  • Homeownership counseling certificate required 
Get Started Visit a Branch

HDP Plus

Expanded program for moderate-income homebuyers above standard income limits

  • Up to $10,000 in grant funding 
  • Down payment assistance 
  • Closing cost assistance 
  • Above 80% and less than 120% AMI  
  • Homeownership counseling certificate required 
Get Started Visit a Branch

HDP Wealth Builder

Specialized program addressing the wealth gap for underserved communities

  • Up to $10,000 in grant funding 
  • Down payment assistance 
  • Closing cost assistance 
  • Income limit: 120% AMI  
  • First-generation homebuyer OR majority-minority census tract residents 
Get Started Visit a Branch

Home Buyer Dream Program FAQs

Get answers to common questions about Sunmark's homebuyer assistance programs and qualification requirements.
First-time homebuyers who haven't owned a home in the past 3 years, meet income requirements, and complete homeownership counseling. Income limits vary by program and county location.
According to the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), a first-time homebuyer is someone who has not owned a home in the past 3 years.
Income limits vary by county and household size. Visit the Federal Home Loan Bank of NY's median income guidelines page or contact Sunmark at 866-SUNMARK for current limits in your specific area.
A first-generation homebuyer is someone whose parents and/or legal guardian does not and never have owned a home in the United States. This also includes any borrower who has aged out of foster care.
A majority-minority census tract is a specific geographic area where at least 50.01% of the population consists of minority residents. You can check your census tract status online or contact Sunmark for assistance.
Yes, all applicants must obtain a homeownership counseling certificate from approved organizations including TRIP/RCHR, ACRHA, Better Neighborhoods Inc., or HUD-approved counselors.

Homeownership Counseling Options

These educational programs prepare you for successful homeownership and qualify you for Dream Program assistance.

Approved Counseling Organizations: 

  • 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) 
  • Additional HUD-approved counselors available 
Learn More

Meet Your Mortgage Team

Our experienced mortgage specialists are here to guide you through every step of the Dream Program application process.

Eloisa Behnke

AVP of Mortgage Originations

NMLS #568826
Read Bio Apply

Cameron Demers

Mortgage Originator

NMLS #1725621
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Monica Viela

Mortgage Originator

NMLS #2509742
Apply Now

Joanne Gomula

Mortgage Originator

NMLS #638043
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Carolyn Henzel

Mortgage Originator

NMLS #689732
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Jason Solghan

Mortgage Originator

NMLS #96941
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Anne Dillenbeck

Mortgage Originator

NMLS #763690
Read Bio Apply

Waseem Samuel

Business Development Originator

NMLS #793817
Apply

Start Your Homeownership Journey

Take the first step toward homeownership with up to $20,000 in grant assistance. Complete this form and our mortgage specialists will contact you to discuss your Dream Program options and help you qualify for maximum benefits.

 

Have you completed homeownership counseling?
Preferred contact method
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.   

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