
Pathways to Homeownership
We help first-time homebuyers navigate the path to homeownership with confidence and clarity. Through education, counseling, and access to financial resources, we guide you from preparation to closing.
Services
What we do

NYC Housing Partnership is a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency and an HPD-Approved HomeFirst Agency, providing trusted, certified guidance and direct access to New York City's leading down payment assistance program.
Start Your Journey with Confidence
Home Buying 101 Orientation
Our 90-minute webinar is designed for first-time homebuyers looking to understand the path to homeownership. Learn the basics of the homebuying process, explore mortgage options, and get introduced to available down payment assistance programs.
Build the Knowledge to Buy Smart
First-Time Homebuyer Education
Our HUD-approved homebuyer education course is available both online and in person, giving you the flexibility to choose the format that works best for you. This comprehensive course prepares you to become a confident and successful homeowner.
- Understanding credit and its impact
- Determining how much home you can afford
- The mortgage process
- Working with a real estate broker
- The role of an attorney
- Home inspections and insurance
- Available grant and assistance programs
- And more
A Certificate of Completion is awarded after completing both the education course and required pre-purchase counseling.
Personalized Guidance Every Step of the Way
Pre-Purchase Counseling
Meet one-on-one with a HUD-certified Housing Counselor to assess your readiness and create a personalized action plan. Counseling includes credit review, budgeting, mortgage readiness, and referrals to trusted lenders and professionals. Your counselor will also determine your eligibility for available grants and assistance programs.
Counseling is required to access most down payment assistance programs!
Support Beyond the Closing Table
Post-Purchase Education
Homeownership doesn't end at closing. Our post-purchase education helps you plan for ongoing expenses, understand maintenance responsibilities, maximize tax benefits, and navigate financial challenges if they arise.
Additional Program
Landlord & Tenant Training
For Buyers of 2–4 Family Homes
As a complement to our Homebuyer Education and Counseling services, this training prepares future homeowners to successfully manage rental units within their property. Designed for purchasers of 2–4 family homes, the program provides practical guidance on the responsibilities of being a landlord while protecting your investment.
- Minimizing liability and managing costs
- Best practices for tenant selection
- Negotiating and signing leases
- Understanding local rental regulations
- Overview of the eviction process
- Fair housing and anti-discrimination laws
- New York State specific landlord-tenant laws
Participants receive a comprehensive resource guide and a Certificate of Completion. This training is required for clients purchasing a multi-family home with a CRA mortgage. For more information or to access the course, email us.
Did You Know?
The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) offers the HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program, providing up to $100,000 to eligible first-time homebuyers for down payment and closing costs on a 1–4 family home, condominium, or cooperative in New York City.
Did You Know?
The SONYMA Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL) Program provides up to $15,000 in down payment assistance to eligible homebuyers across New York State. This program can be combined with other SONYMA mortgage products to help make homeownership more affordable.
Explore More Resources
The Down Payment Resource Center helps you search for down payment assistance programs available in your area. With thousands of programs nationwide, you may qualify for grants or low-interest loans to help cover your down payment and closing costs.
Key Contacts

Emily McIntosh
Director of Homeownership Education
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Kevin Washington
HUD Certified Housing Counselor
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