10/17/2026
First-time homebuyers could get $50,000 under new bill
There’s a new bill in the works that could help first-time homebuyers with up to $50,000 in federal matching funds for their down payment—a 5-to-1 match. To qualify, buyers would need to participate in counseling and focus on homes at or below the median price. While the goal is to make homeownership more accessible, some critics are raising concerns that this approach might drive up prices if housing supply doesn’t keep pace.
Having worked with buyers in the Upper Delaware River Valley and Western Catskills for decades, I know how significant down payment assistance can be for those entering the market. Programs like this, if implemented thoughtfully, could open doors for more local families, but it’s just as important to keep an eye on inventory and affordability in our region. I’ll be following this closely to see how it might impact homeownership opportunities in Sullivan, Delaware, Wayne, and Pike Counties.
https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/rosemarie-rosie-s-decristofaro/2113999-First-time-homebuyers-could-get-%2450%2C000-under-new-bill