AIK Buyer’s Guide

Buy a home with AIK in 6 EASY steps

  • STEP 1

    Fill-out and submit the BCNI Pre-Purchase Form

  • STEP 2

    Acquire Income Eligibility Approval

  • STEP 3

    Complete your Homebuyer Certification Course

  • STEP 4

    Acquire Lender Pre-qualification

  • STEP 5

    Wait for HCR Approval

  • STEP 6

    Move in!

Income Limits, Eligibility, and Approval

The 2024 Income Limits set the maximum allowable income for individuals and households to qualify for the HCR (New York State Homes and Community Renewal) SONYMA (State of New York Mortgage Agency) program. These limits ensure that the program supports its primary mission: to make homeownership more accessible to low- and moderate-income families across New York State.

  • Income limits define the maximum income a household can earn to be eligible for specific housing assistance programs, including SONYMA mortgages. These thresholds are based on:

    • Household Size: Larger households typically have higher limits to account for the increased cost of living.

    • Property Location: Limits vary by county or region, reflecting the local cost of housing and average incomes.

    • Program Type: Some SONYMA loans, such as those targeting first-time homebuyers or properties in designated “target areas,” may have different limits.Description text goes here

  • Income limits are a key component of the HCR SONYMA program to ensure that resources are directed to those who need them most. Here’s why they are critical:

    1. Promoting Equity: The program is designed to assist households who might otherwise struggle to obtain affordable mortgage financing. Income limits prevent higher-income families from monopolizing the program’s benefits.

    2. Efficient Allocation of Funds: By setting thresholds, SONYMA ensures that financial assistance and favorable mortgage terms are used to support low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

    3. Compliance with Federal and State Guidelines: The program is partially funded through state and federal initiatives that mandate income restrictions to qualify.

  • If your income is slightly above the limit, you may not qualify for SONYMA loans. However, you can explore other financing options or consider properties in targeted areas with higher limits.

  • No, income limits vary based on household size, property location, and whether the home is in a targeted area.

How do I get APPROVED?

After submission, you will receive an email instruction and an attachment with the 2024 BCNI Intake Form to move on to the next step which is the Income Eligibility Assessment and Homebuyer Certification.

Lender Pre-qualification

Lender pre-qualification is the first step in the homebuying journey that helps you understand how much you may be able to borrow to purchase a home. This process involves sharing basic financial information with a lender, who then provides an estimate of your borrowing capacity.

Once pre-qualified, you can begin house hunting with confidence. However, to strengthen your position as a buyer, consider moving on to lender pre-approval, which involves a more detailed review of your financial situation and provides a firmer commitment from the lender.

Need help getting started?

Our team can connect you with trusted lenders who specialize in helping first-time homebuyers. Click the link below to view SONYMA Approved Lenders. 

AIK Property Group Partner Lenders

  • Lisa Atkins - Arrow Bank

    CRA Loan Originator

    NMLS# 407695

    Phone: (518) 229-1553

    Email: lisa.atkins@arrowbank.com

  • Paul Hurley - M&T Bank

    Assistant Sales Manager

    NMLS# 407622

    Phone: (518) 877-3573

    Email: phurley@mtb.com

  • Caitlin Casey - SEFCU

    Phone: (518) 573-9058

    Email: ccasey@sefcumortgageservices.com

Ready to Buy a Home?