Single Family Housing Loans and Grants

The Rural Housing Programs of USDA Rural Development work to improve the quality of life for rural Americans by ensuring that they have access to safe, well-built, affordable housing. Homeownership builds economic stability and, over the long term, creates equity to finance education, business startups and retirement. People with equity in their homes not only take greater pride in them; they also become more involved in their communities. Our Housing Programs thus not only help rural people acquire homes, they help build better lives and communities. Rural Developments Housing Programs annually finance new and improved housing for over 65,000 low to moderate-income families. Over 2 million families now own their homes as a result of these rural homeownership programs.

Visit the following site for a complete overview: Single Family Housing Programs

New York Highlights

Pre-Qualify for a Single Family Housing Loan

A Pre-Qualification review provides an opportunity to consider whether an applicant meets basic eligibility requirements for the 502 direct program. This package is NOT an application for assistance and is voluntary prior to submitting an application.

If you prefer, a hardcopy of the package can be mailed to you by contacting the Rural Development Area Office nearest to where you'd like to purchase a home. A loan application can also be obtained from the Area Office.

• Section 502 Pre-Qualification Worksheet

• Form 3550-1 Authorization to Release Information

• The Pre-Qualification Worksheet, along with Form RD 3550-1 for each household member age 18 and over, should be mailed to the Area Office that covers the county you wish to live in. Click here to find your Area Office.

Eligible Lending Areas

The property you wish to purchase or repair must be located in an area deemed "rural" by Rural Development. To determine if an area is eligible click here.

Single Family Housing Program Staff

Jennifer Jackson, Single Family Housing Program Director
441 S. Salina St., Suite 357, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 477-6417 | Fax: (315) 477-6468
jennifer.jackson@ny.usda.gov

Susan Underwood, Single Family Housing Specialist
441 S. Salina St., Suite 357, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 477-6457 | Fax: (315) 477-6468
susan.underwood@ny.usda.gov

Janette Smith, Guaranteed Rural Housing Specialist
One North Main St., 2nd Floor, Cortland, NY 13045
Phone: (607) 753-0851 x124 | Fax: (607) 753-3190
janette.smith@ny.usda.gov

Carla Reese, Single Family Housing Specialist
441 S. Salina St., Suite 357, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 477-6423 | Fax: (315) 477-6468
carla.reese@ny.usda.gov

Charles Cross, Single Family Housing Technician
441 S. Salina St., Suite 357, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 477-6416 | Fax: (315) 477-6468
charles.cross@ny.usda.gov

Additional Resources

• US Department of Housing & Urban Development

• New York State Division of Homes & Community Renewal

• New York State Affordable Housing Directory - Additional Loan and Grant Resources