Applicants must be income-qualified, first-time homebuyers who agree to live in the home as their principal residence for at least 15 years. 

Income-qualified buyers have household incomes at or below 80% of area median income.

City of Rochester (COR) employees are not eligible to participate in the second phase of Buy the Block. COR employees, please contact Home Buyer Services for other options.

Learn more: Buy the Block qualifications

The first phase of Buy the Block is supported by $13.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. 

The City of Rochester is working with development partners to identify and apply for additional funding sources.

No, the models and locations have already been determined.

Click here to see full listing of models and addresses

Once you have submitted your complete application (with all required paperwork), you will be required to attend an Eligibility Review and Approval Meeting.

If eligible, Home Buyer Services will contact you to schedule a pre-approval meeting (typically within 1-2 weeks of review).

Open houses will be available for a period of time for select models. Virtual tours will also be available.

Click here to view model home layouts

The program is designed to support first-time homebuyers. If you previously owned a home but sold it more than three years ago, you may still be eligible to apply.

A 15-year residency is required for this program. If you need to relocate, you must get City approval to sell the home to another income-eligible household to continue the agreement for the remaining years.

Yes, you will need a mortgage prequalification letter from one of our lender partners and will complete the home purchase process by closing on a mortgage with them.

Only individuals who will reside in the home can be included on the grant or loan documents. Financial contributions from a non-occupant co-signer cannot be considered.

Yes, you can receive $8,000 for closing costs/down payment towards the new home.

Yes, you can stack multiple grants with the Buy the Block program.

Yes, we will refer you to a pre- and post-purchase class given by a certified organization.

Construction is progressing in phases, with work already underway as of late 2024. Homes are expected to be completed in groups every 4-5 months.

No, incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be removed from consideration. If submitted by US mail, they will be returned to the sender.

• Yes, you can reach out to one of our Developer Partners:
  • Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity: 585-546-1470 ext. 314
  • Greater Rochester Housing Partnership: 585-423-6320
  • Ibero-American Development Corporation: 585-467-6410

We would prefer to have it. If you’re unable to provide it, please include a written explanation instead.

Yes, include your appointment or offer letter showing your start date and salary. Additionally, consult with a lender partner to confirm they can provide a mortgage based on your current employment status.

You’ll need to provide a note explaining the lack of income or tax returns. Please note, if income is discovered later, it could result in the cancellation or recall of your grant approval.

• Pay Stubs: Last 2 months (8 weeks) consecutive pay stubs.
• Self-Employment: Profit and loss statements showing monthly income and expenses. Lyft and Uber count as self-employment.
• Other Forms of Income: Include award statements and deposits for unemployment, pension, SSI, disability, retirement, child support, alimony, workers’ compensation, and Social Security.

Submit your Federal and State tax filings along with all W-2s. If you did not file taxes, include proof of non-filing from the IRS for the past two years.

Submit the last three months of statements for all accounts (checking and savings). Each statement must show the account holder's name, bank name, account number, and full transaction history. If providing printouts, ensure they include all required information or are stamped by the bank.

Submit a signed letter stating that you do not have a bank account. Please note, this may impact your ability to secure a mortgage.

We recommend that applicants have at least two credit scores of approximately 640 or higher. In certain cases, slightly lower scores may be considered if accompanied by a pre-qualification letter from a local lender. For further guidance, please contact Homebuyer Services. Kindly note that credit reports obtained directly from Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax, as well as those accessed through credit card companies or services such as Credit Karma, are not acceptable.

You can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their website at www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card to request a replacement card.

No, a passport cannot be used as a substitute for a Social Security card.

Timeline for the Homebuyer Process

1. Complete and Submit Application
   • Ensure your application is complete and includes all required documents.
   • Submit by mail or in person starting December 10, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
2. Eligibility Review and Approval Meeting
   • If eligible, Home Buyer Services will contact you to schedule a pre-approval meeting (typically within 1–2 weeks of review).
   • At this meeting, you’ll receive sell sheets of model homes and Developer Partner information.
3. Sign Approval Agreement
   • Return signed approval documents to receive your executed approval agreement.
4. Contact Developer Partners
   • Share your executed approval agreement with the Developer Partner(s) of your choice.
5. Obtain Mortgage Prequalification
   • Secure a mortgage prequalification from one of the approved lenders listed in the program materials.
6. Tour Model Homes
   • Schedule an in-person or virtual tour of the model homes (tentatively starting March 2025).
7. Select Your Property
   • Meet with your chosen Developer Partner to submit your mortgage prequalification letter and sign the Property Selection Form.
   • The Developer Partner will submit these documents to Home Buyer Services, and you’ll receive confirmation of your home selection.
8. Finalize Purchase Offer
   • When construction nears completion, meet with Home Buyer Services or Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity to sign the purchase offer and pay a $1,000 down payment (within one week of notification).