First-time homebuyers, heads up. The Rural Ulster Preservation Company (RUPCO) has secured funds to assist with down payments, repairs and closing costs on homes with grants of up to $40,000 for lower-income buyers.

These grants are open to first-time homebuyers who fall within gross income limits according to household size. A single buyer can make up to $104,248 to be eligible, while on the other end of the spectrum, a family of seven must make $184,094 or less.

RUPCO, as the program’s administrator, is providing counselors to guide homebuyers through the purchasing process. They are available to offer advice on loans, credit, and grant eligibility.

“I am so excited that this program will support overall community revitalization efforts to stimulate stabilization and preservation of housing throughout Orange County for the first time in over a decade,” said Faith Moore, assistant vice president of Operations at RUPCO. “This program will also assist higher-income levels, thus making homeownership affordable in today's market.”

The money is sourced from a New York State Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) grant through the New York State Office of Homes and Community Renewal (NYSHCR), which manages the state’s $1 billion HOUSE NY plan, funding affordable housing across the state.

RUPCO’s Orange County subsidiary, the Orange County Rural Development Advisory Corporation (RDAC), secured the grant funds from NYSHCR to continue its work providing affordable and sustainable housing in Orange County.

To learn more about terms and conditions of these grants and how begin the application process, contact Frank Robusto at 845-331-9860 ext. 320, email frobusto@rupco.com, or visit rupco.com.