HDF offers free homeownership counseling, homebuyer education classes, down payment and closing cost loan programs to first time homebuyers looking to buy a home in Connecticut or New York. Income eligibility is based on household income, income of all adults who will live in the new home.

View our income limits and eligibility criteria: https://hdfconnects.org/eligibility-requirements/

A first-time homebuyer is someone who is buying a home for the first time or who has not owned a home in the last three years. This applies to spouses as well.

All HDF products are loans that must be paid back. Some products require monthly payments, while others are deferred and due when you sell, transfer the title of the property, refinance or payoff your first mortgage.

Depending on the loan products chosen, clients may need to contribute 1-3% of the purchase price; pay for the appraisal, inspections, closing costs, and have some reserve funds remaining after closing. HDF SmartMove funds can be used for up to 25% of the purchase price while a first mortgage lending partner can lend up to the remaining 80%.

The FTHB program has 2 components: counseling and lending. All HDF clients must complete the counseling requirements, before applying for an HDF loan product. Once a client submits the required documents, they will be assigned a homeownership counselor who will determine eligibility and mortgage readiness.

HDF offers homeownership counseling by phone, Zoom, or in person, whichever method you prefer. Start by creating your portal account and choose the remote counseling option. You can complete counseling and homebuyer education classes online.

HDF also has partnerships with local housing counseling agencies. If you prefer, you can complete counseling and education with an HDF partner and still use HDF’s lending services.

Click here to view a list of all our partner agencies.

• Intake Form (IEP) needs to be filled out. Once you create a portal account, you will be able to fill it out electronically.
• Last three years of federal tax returns signed for the applicant and co-applicant and their spouses (if any). Include all schedules.
• W-2 for the last three years for the applicant and co-applicant (if any). If self employed, submit the 1099’s for the past three years (if any).
• Most recent paystubs for the applicant, co-applicant and everyone in the household 18 years or older.
• If receiving Social Security benefits, submit award letter for current year.
• If receiving pension, child support or other income; verification of income received in the past 4 weeks.
• Copy of government issued ID for the applicant and co-applicant.
• Pay for your credit report at hdfconnects.org/credit-report/

You must complete the counseling process before you can apply for HDF lending products. Your file is not assigned to a counselor until all documents are submitted. Once that is done, your counselor will assess your eligibility and readiness and will contact you within 10-15 business days. Keep in mind counselors do not make decisions on the loan application.
Homebuyer Education is required prior to closing, this includes Pre-Purchase Homebuyer class and Landlord Training class if buying a multi-family home.
The loan application & lending process begins once the counseling process is completed and your counselor has transferred your file to our lending department. The lending process is usually completed within 30 days.

Yes, HDF loan products can be layered depending on your eligibility. Different loan products have different income criteria. For a list of current loan products, click here.
Your homeownership counselor will let you know for which programs you might qualify and whether would benefit from layering loan products.

HDF is not credit score driven. However, we do require that all collections, past dues, charge offs, and judgements be paid or resolved. Also, that you have been paying your accounts on time for the past 12 months. The HDF loan committee pays close attention to credit payment patterns and your written explanations for derogatory activity on credit reports. Consult with your first mortgage lender or loan officer to see if they have a minimum credit score.

You can pay online on our website by using our convenient payment options, such as PayPal or credit card. You may also visit our office to pay in person via check or money order. Pay for your Credit Report.

As a first-time homebuyer, the property you purchase must be your primary residence. You can purchase a single-family home, a multifamily home with 2-4 residential units, a townhouse, or a condominium. HDF does not provide financing for mobile homes or co-ops.

Yes, HDF will make every effort to work with you, even with a more aggressive timeline. However, the counseling process for clients with an accepted offer could take up to 10 business days while the lending process can take up to an additional 30 days.

Please create a profile on our online customer portal as soon as possible.

You will still need to complete the homeownership counseling and education process.