VOORHEESVILLE — The Albany County Rural Housing Alliance Inc. has over $230,000 in grant funds from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal program to assist first-time home buyers with mortgage down payment and closing costs.

“Because of grants like this, ACRHA was able to help 15 households in Albany County move into their own home over this past year,” said Executive Director Judy Eisgruber.

According to Eisgruber, buyers must purchase a single-family residence in Albany County, 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.  Households must also qualify based on income.

The Albany County Rural Housing Alliance offers grant and loan programs to help low to moderate income households in Albany County. For more information about ACRHA’s down-payment assistance grant guidelines or to sign up for homebuyer education, go online to www.acrha.org or call Tracy Gibeau at (518) 765-2425, ext. 2589.