VOORHEESVILLE — Eight slots are still available, through New York State Homes and Community Renewal, to assist first-time homebuyers with mortgage down payment and closing costs, according to the Albany County Rural Housing Alliance Inc.

“We are delighted to work with HCR providing assistance to qualified households to purchase their first home,” said Executive Director Judy Eisgruber in a release from the housing alliance.  Grant amounts vary, but average about $15,000 per applicant.  Eisgruber notes that participating households must meet the program’s income and credit qualifications.

Additionally, buyers must purchase a single-family residence in Albany County anywhere outside the city of Albany, contribute $1,500 of their own funds to the purchase, attend a homebuyer education course, and obtain a fair and safe mortgage from a reputable lender that fits within their household budget.

The Albany County Rural Housing Alliance offers grant and loan programs to assist low- to moderate-income households in Albany County with home repairs or the purchase of a first home.  The alliance is approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development as a counseling agency. Counseling services are free of charge and available to anyone, regardless of location or income level.  For more information about the alliance’s down-payment assistance grant guidelines, contact Stephanie Galvin at 235-3920.