"Buying my first home was possible thanks to service and support from the great team at LNB."
– José Torres-DeJesus
Geneva Resident
- Home
- Financial Services
- Making Home Ownership Possible


Home Possible RISE Award® Winner
For three years in a row, LNB has been recognized by Freddie Mac for excellence in helping people in the communities we serve become homeowners. We provide many lending solutions and the guidance needed to help make the dream of homeownership a reality.


Homebuyer Dream Program
LNB is a proud participant in the Homebuyer Dream Program, partnering with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York to provide funds for local buyers. Each grant provides $10,000 in funds. Combined with LNB’s No Closing Cost Program, buyers can get into their first home with as little as a $1,000 contribution, with a conventional mortgage.
Program credit and underwriting guidelines apply. Income and other restrictions apply for the Homebuyer Dream Program. Lending programs subject to change without notice.
The 2023 Homebuyer Dream Program will begin accepting applications on March 7, 2023. Details below.
LNB and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY) work together to provide grant assistance to qualified first-time home buyers. The Homebuyer Dream Program™ provides grants of up to $10,000 towards the purchase of a home in New York.
The FHLBNY returned to an allotment program this year. This means that lenders received a set amount of funding to access through the program. The program typically launches with replenished funding each spring.
Important information:
- Up to $9,500 in grant funding is available to be applied to down payment and closing costs
- Up to $500 in grant funding is available to offset the cost of the homeownership course
- The Homebuyer Dream Program is a registered trademark of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. Additional program details are available on the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York website. Please work with your LNB Mortgage Loan Originator to discuss your specific situation.
For more information on the Homebuyer Dream Program, Eligibility requirements
- Must be first-time home buyers**
- Reside and purchase a home in New York
- Have a household income at or below 80% of area median income
- Complete an accredited homeownership course
- Meet the income and credit requirements for the program
- Have the minimum equity contribution of $1,000 toward purchase of the home
- Remain in the home for five years or repay a portion of the grant funds back to FHLBNY
**First-time homebuyer as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), is an individual who meets any of the following criteria:
- An individual who has had no ownership in a principal residence during the 3-year period ending on the date of the purchase of the property. This includes a spouse (if meets the above test, they are considered first-time homebuyers).
- A single parent who has only owned a principal residence with a former spouse while married.
- Individual who is a displaced homemaker and has only owned a principal residence with a spouse.
- An individual who has only owned a principal residence not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation in accordance with applicable regulations.
- An individual who has only owned a property that was not in compliance with state, local or model building codes and could not be brought into compliance for less than the cost of constructing a permanent structure.
Vacation Home Program
Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae have increased their rates and fees dramatically for second homes, and most lenders are following suit. Not at LNB!
In the heart of the beautiful Finger Lakes region, LNB understands the importance of second homes in our local real estate market.
If you are looking to purchase a second home, don’t pay too much for financing! Get in touch with an LNB mortgage specialist today.
Check out the resources below to help you on your journey towards owning a home.
TIPS ON RAISING YOUR CREDIT SCORE
Tips On Raising Your Credit Score
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WORRIED ABOUT THE DOWN PAYMENT FOR A HOME? YOU MIGHT HAVE ENOUGH SAVED ALREADY
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SHOULD I BUY OR RENT A HOME?
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BUYING A HOME? KEEP CLOSING COSTS IN MIND
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WHAT IS A QUALITY MORTGAGE?
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ARE YOU SAVING FOR YOUR FUTURE NEEDS?
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Software Update
LNB will be performing a software update on Saturday, November 18, beginning at 8 p.m. EST. It will take approximately
Holiday Closing
In observance of Thanksgiving Day, all LNB offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23, 2023. Offices will re-open on
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