https://www.mcvacants.com/real-estate

REAL ESTATE

State of New York Mortgage Agency Revitalization Program

The Neighborhood Revitalization Program (“NRP”) is a state program administered by The State of New York Mortgage Agency (“SONYMA”) and is available in selected communities to assist homebuyers to purchase and renovate vacant houses. This program will provide a grant of up to $20,000 to renovate a house once purchased by an eligible buyer. This grant can also be combined with other grant assistance programs for additional funding. Buyers must occupy the home as their principal residence once rehabilitation has been completed. In addition, buyers must qualify as income-eligible and must complete an approved homeowner-counseling program. The Greater Rochester Housing Partnership works with local governments to identify vacant properties and eligible buyers to apply for grant funding, including NRP grants. GRHP will also work with buyers to create specifications for the rehabilitation of the property and put the package out to bid. SONYMA will pay for the improvements once GRHP inspects the property and certifies that the work is completed.

Greater Rochester Association of Realtors

An amazing resource for realtors and information regarding buying or selling a home is GRAR. They partner with the Task Force regularly and always sponsor our Home Fair and this year’s Neighborhood Spruce Up. GRAR also has the most current up to date listing of homes for sale on HomeSteadNet. GRAR is active in the housing market, realtor accountability and today, the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® provides resources and education, promotes professionalism, and helps to position its members for success. It continues to operate under the same founding principles that are the cornerstone of its outstanding reputation. GRAR continues to actively support the community through advocacy to ensure the preservation of real property rights, as well as supporting the efforts of local charitable programs that encourage home-ownership, create sustainable neighborhoods, and address critical housing needs through the REALTORS® Charitable Foundation.

The City of Rochester has its own real estate department that deals with all of city help properties, auctions and more. If you find that you are looking at a home that the City owns feel free to contact them at 428 – 6336. The City also houses the Land Bank.

Land Bank Mission Statement
The Rochester Land Bank Corporation will return underutilized property to productive use, preserve and create quality housing, enhance the quality of life within neighborhoods, and encourage economic opportunities.

About the Land Bank
The purpose of the land bank is to acquire, hold and dispose of real property that is vacant, abandoned or underutilized for purposes of returning those properties to productive use. This goal will be met through judicious use of land bank powers enumerated in Section 1600 of the NY Not-for-profit Corporation Law (known as the “Land Bank Act”) to specifically facilitate, manage, and implement City of Rochester designated community development projects or redevelopment plans.

The focus of the land bank is systematic treatment of vacant property consistent with the development strategies and policies created by City government and community members. The land bank will acquire and dispose of real property when a disposition strategy has been identified within the context of City designated community development projects or redevelopment plans. The disposition strategy may include holding the property in the land bank for a period of time, demolition, sale to a developer or other strategies.

Home Improvement Program
Monroe County’s Home Improvement Program (HIP) provides one-time grants and low interest loans to income-eligible homeowners for home repairs and improvements in the suburban towns and villages excluding the City of Rochester and Towns of Greece and Irondequoit. Residents of the City, Greece or Irondequoit should contact their municipal offices for information on available programs in their area.

Eligible repairs include structural (roof, foundation, windows, exterior paint or siding), major systems (plumbing, heating or electrical) and accessibility accommodations (ramps, lifts, doorways, bathrooms). Routine maintenance, remodeling and cosmetic improvements are generally not eligible repairs.

Depending on the cost of needed repairs and household income, you may qualify for a grant of up to $20,000.00. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the Community Development Office at 585-753-2000 for additional information.

Community Gardens
Many communities in Monroe County repurpose vacant lots as community gardens. If you reside in the City of Rochester, you can find out which lots are available and what it entails to have a functioning community garden which benefits the whole neighborhood. Contact the City of Rochester about the process and help with lots which are City owned.