Preferred Partners
Trusted professionals we work with to make your home-buying experience smooth from start to finish
Upstate New York
Lender
4 partnersCommunity Bank — Rhona Howard
LenderLocal community banking mortgage specialist at Community Bank. Rhona provides personalized service for homebuyers across upstate New York.
ESL Federal Credit Union — Tina M. Wightman
LenderHome loan expert at ESL Federal Credit Union. Tina specializes in local Rochester-area mortgage products and first-time buyer programs.
PrimeLending — Abigail Selby
LenderMortgage loan originator at PrimeLending. Abigail offers a wide range of loan products including FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.
KeyBank — Leslie Curry
LenderMortgage lending specialist at KeyBank. Contact Leslie for purchase loans, pre-approvals, and first-time buyer programs.
Attorney
1 partnerLaura E. Fleming, Esq.
AttorneyPreferred real estate attorney for Ellison Realty clients. Laura handles purchase contracts, title review, closings, and buyer representation.
Insurance
2 partnersJoseph Pauldine — Insurance Broker
InsuranceIndependent insurance broker offering homeowner's insurance, liability coverage, and landlord policies for investment properties.
Lady T — Tee Byrd
InsuranceInsurance services for homebuyers and investors. Contact Tee for homeowner's insurance quotes and coverage options.
Local Grants & Financial Assistance
New York programs that can help reduce your upfront costs
PathStone Corporation
Rochester-based HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Offers down payment assistance, homebuyer education classes, and financial coaching for first-time buyers in the Greater Rochester area.
City of Rochester — Home Improvement Program
Grants and low-interest loans for eligible Rochester homeowners and buyers for repairs, accessibility upgrades, and energy improvements.
RUPCO (Rural & Urban Preservation Company)
Provides homebuyer education, down payment assistance, and affordable housing resources across Monroe County and the Hudson Valley.
Monroe County — First-Time Homebuyer Program
Deferred payment loans up to $3,000 for down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible first-time buyers in Monroe County.
SONYMA (State of NY Mortgage Agency)
Low-interest mortgages with down payment assistance up to $15,000 for first-time buyers statewide, including Rochester and surrounding areas.
NeighborWorks Rochester
Local nonprofit offering homebuyer education courses, financial readiness coaching, and connections to down payment assistance programs in the Rochester metro area.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Loans
Zero down, no PMI for veterans, active military, and eligible surviving spouses — available throughout upstate NY.
USDA Rural Development Loans
Zero down payment for eligible properties in suburban and rural areas surrounding Rochester, including parts of Monroe, Wayne, and Ontario counties.
* Many of our lending partners specialize in these programs. Contact us and we'll connect you with the right lender for your situation.
Maryland
Maryland — Coming Soon
We're expanding our network of trusted partners to the Maryland market. Stay tuned for lenders, attorneys, contractors, and grant resources in your area.