Currently, we are not accepting any new reservation requests for the Homebuyer Dream Program Wealth Builder (HDP® Wealth Builder). Reservation requests are limited each year and ESL has reached the funding maximum for the 2025 calendar year. ESL anticipates having a 2026 Homebuyer Dream Program Wealth Builder, pending availability from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY). Program details will be made available in advance. Please check back for updated information later this year.
Reservation requests into the HDP® Wealth Builder are limited each year and are available on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible buyers.
The 2025 Homebuyer Dream Program Wealth Builder is made available through the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, and eligible borrowers have potential to receive up to $20,000 (per household) in grant dollars.
How to Get Started
Speak with an ESL Mortgage Originator
Interested members should reach out to an ESL Business Development Mortgage Originator (585.336.1502) and get prequalified or submit an application to purchase their first home. Having a fully executed Purchase and Sales Contract on your first home and completing a homeownership counseling course is required prior to requesting a reservation into the Homebuyer Dream Program Wealth Builder.
Eligibility Requirements
To enroll in the HDP® Wealth Builder program, you must complete and meet the following actions and requirements prior to ESL requesting a reservation request for this program.
- Must be a first-time homebuyer. This is generally defined as not having owned a home individually or with a spouse in the last three years.
- HDP Wealth Builder requires at least one of the following conditions be met to qualify for the grant:
- Currently reside in majority-minority census tract (minority group is greater than 50% of the total tract population), OR
- First-Generation Homebuyers where the homebuyer’s parents do not currently own or have ever owned property in the United States
- Provide a fully executed Purchase and Sales contract on a home.
- Complete homeownership counseling through one of the following counseling agencies prior to program enrollment:
- Homebuyer(s) must provide a minimum equity of $1,000 toward the purchase of the home.
- Qualifying income must at or below the 120% area median income (AMI).
Grant stacking Homebuyer Dream Program Wealth Builder with other Homebuyer Dream Program products is not allowed. However, the Homebuyer Dream Program Wealth Builder may be stacked with other eligible products and grants.
Income Limits & Mortgage Eligible Counties
Total household income, adjusted for household size, must be at or below 120% AMI for the county in which the household is being purchased (last updated, effective date September 2023). Maximum income limits and eligible counties within the state of New York are as follows:
