There are three types of multi-unit home ownership:
Fee Simple Home: This type of home is a free standing dwelling that is owned entirely by an individual or a household, without a shared interest from a neighbor in an adjoining or neighboring unit. These homes may include townhouse style buildings where units are attached and there is a “zero” lot line. Often the exterior maintenance of the housing and lot is the responsibility of the owner, and not the common homeowner’s association. However, there may be some common areas, such as roads, in a development that are maintained by a homeowner’s association.
Condominium (Condo): A condominium is a form of home ownership in which each dwelling unit is separately owned but there are common areas within the development such as hallways, parking lots, roads and/or shared recreational amenities that are owned jointly by all owners together. The building style of a condo may be single or multi-story building(s) or multiple attached or unattached townhouse units. In some cases, the shell of the building, including the roof and exterior walls is owned commonly - the unit owner simply owns and maintains the interior of the unit. Condominiums frequently levy monthly “common charges” to each owner to help pay for the maintenance of the commonly owned areas.
Condominiums administer their properties through boards and/or associations with members being elected from all owners, and can also be assisted by a management company. Rules and regulations governing the condominiums are established by the rules of the development’s incorporation and may be modified by these boards.
Cooperative (Co-op): A cooperative is a form of home ownership in which the occupants own shares in the entire property and possess the right to occupy their unit and sell it whenever they choose. Monthly “common charges” or “maintenance charges” are often levied.
Co-ops administer their properties through boards and/or associations with members being elected from all owners, and can also be assisted by a management company. Rules and regulations governing the condominiums are established by the rules of the development’s incorporation and may be modified by these boards.
Co-op Rentals: Some co-op Bylaws assign owners the right to rent their units. The tenants of these units pay rent to the owner of the co-op.
Co-op Resources
A Practical Guide for Cooperative Success, published by Northcountry Cooperative Foundation, is a guide designed for use by co-op boards of directors and its residents. It defines what a cooperative is, explains how co-ops are managed and governed, explores what co-op members can do to recognize and weed out problems and provides guidelines to promote the best elements of cooperative living.
Boards, Bylaws and Rules: Understanding & Dealing With a Co-op Board of Directors Office is a brochure which addresses the role of the co-op board of directors and what to do if the board is not complying with the co-op’s Bylaws. “How to Handle Problems with a Co-ops Board of Directors” (link to: FAQ Handling Problems with Bd of Dir.pdf) answers frequently asked questions on handling problems with Board of Directors. Both are published by the NYS Attorney General’s Real Estate Finance Bureau.
Homeowners’ associations (HOA)
A homeowners’ association is an organization established to govern a private multi-unit housing community. Typically, it owns and manages some common property for the owners of the private houses, fee-simple, condominium or cooperative units. Once a home or lot is purchased the owner automatically becomes a member of the homeowners association.
The primary purpose of the association is to protect and preserve the value of the privately and commonly used property. In addition, the association may have the responsibility to repair and maintain portions of the community, such as roads, roofs, exterior walls and recreational facilities.
The Web site for the New York State Attorney General’s Office provides detailed information on how to handle problems with a homeowners association.
Offering Plans
The content of the offering plan governs the sponsor’s obligation regarding the size and construction of the units and recreational facilities. It is very important to read and understand what is included in an offering plan. Salespersons may make exaggerated statements about the recreational facilities or residential amenities in the unit, however if the statements are not stipulated in the offering plan, their claims are not required to be delivered and probably will not be.
Anyone who purchases a home that is part of a condominium or homeowners association should receive and review a copy of the offering plan for units included in the plan. Buyers should carefully read the “Description of Property” section to determine the sponsor’s obligations and should not rely on advertising brochures, verbal statements from sales staff or glossy photos and architect’s renderings.
The Web site of the New York State Attorney General's Office offers additional information on home ownership.
Determining if a Home’s Purchase Price is Affordable
There are many factors to consider such as:
- Monthly income
- Amount of dollars in savings accounts
- Credit ratings
- Debts - such as credit card, education or car loans
In the Homebuyer Counseling section, several not-for-profit housing organizations that can assist are listed.
The Web site for the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has an informative section on buying a home. This site will link you to a simple and easy to use calculator that can assess how much you can afford for a home purchase.
Types of Housing Structures
Single family detached: A free-standing residential building. Most single-family homes are built on lots larger than the structure itself.
Multi-family residential: Multi-family is a classification of housing where multiple separate housing units are contained within one building or housing development. The most common form is an apartment building or a townhouse development. Residents in these units may rent from the owner, or own the fee-simple, condominium or co-op housing.
Townhouse units: Townhouse units are designed to mimic detached or semi-detached homes. The distinction between multi-family dwellings called “apartments”, which can be a co-op or a condo, is that townhouses usually consist of multiple floors, have their own outside entrance, and may have a private yard or terrace and usually are part of a multi-unit development. A townhome is usually purchased as a single unit that is attached to other unit(s) owned by other homeowners.
In “condominium townhouses”, the purchaser owns only the interior, while the building and recreational common areas are owned by a condominium corporation. The corporation is jointly owned by all the owners, and charges fees for general maintenance and major repairs.
“Fee-simple townhouses” are exclusively owned, without any condominium monthly fees and share common walls with other owners and neighbors.
“Stacked townhouses” have multiple units vertically (typically two), usually with its own private entrance from the street.
Duplex house: A duplex house is a semi-detached two-unit apartment building or condominium usually indistinguishable from a normal house on the exterior. The building consists of pairs of houses built side by side as units sharing a wall and usually in such a way that each house’s layout is a mirror image of its twin. Duplex can also refer to three and four unit buildings, sometimes called, respectively, triplex and fourplex.
Septic System Rehabilitation and Sewer Connection Program
The goal of the Septic System Rehabilitation and Sewer Connection Program is to reduce the potential health and environmental impacts that may arise from failing septic systems and the associated discharge of sewage effluent into the Croton and Kensico watersheds, also known as the NYC watershed. This shall be accomplished by providing financial assistance to income-eligible commercial and non-commercial property owners who have an on-site septic system in the watershed and meet one of the following two criteria: 1) a property line within 100 feet of a sewer line, 2) with a failing septic system for which there is no available sewer line within 100 feet from the property line for three (3) years from the year the application is submitted.
Westchester Couty Department of Health Septic Systems Information
Professional Engineers and Licensed Architects
For more information contact Program Coordinator, Millie Magraw by e-mail at or by phone at (914) 995-2090.
It’s important to find a reliable home improvement contractor. All home improvement contractors in Westchester must be licensed by the Department of Consumer Protection. Read the law and general tips on how to select a contractor and search for a licensed contractor. Consumer Protection frequently updates its list of "renegade renovators," who have a long complaint history. You can also learn how to file a consumer complaint if you come up against problems with your contractor.
Homeowners shouldn't overlook the programs offered by Westchester County to assist with home improvement costs. If you meet the criteria, you may qualify for assistance.
How can I contact the Better Business Bureau?
Better Business Bureau – Mid Hudson
150 White Plains Road – Suite 107
Tarrytown, New York 10591
E-mail:
Where can I get information on energy efficiency and conservation for my home?
A number of Web resources, such as the U.S. Department of Energy and Home Energy Magazine, provide helpful information. The U.S. Dept. of Energy provides a Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewal Energy. Some of the information you'll find:
- Energy conservation and efficiency programs
- Information on the ENERGY STAR program which reduces energy use through the use of efficient energy products such as lights and appliances
- Weatherization assistance and solar energy systems
- Financial programs to assist with the costs of home energy audits and to help pay for home energy efficiencies
- New York Energy Smart Loan Fund to help pay for energy improvements
Low-income homeowners may also be eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program which provides for energy-related improvements such as weather-stripping and caulking; repair or replacement of heating systems, doors, and windows; insulation to walls and ceilings; and other minor repairs to ensure energy efficiency.
Additional resources
The Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP), sponsored by a coalition of public interest nonprofit groups, government agencies, and other organizations in the energy efficiency field, is designed to give consumers and businesses the information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy-efficient products and technologies passed by Congress as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and subsequently amended several times.
Con Edison
Theodore Fremd Avenue
Rye, New York 10580
Tel: (800) 75-CONED (1-800-752-6633)
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
17 Columbus Circle
Albany, New York 12203
Tel: (518) 862-1090
Are there any additional home improvement programs?
The programs below are primarily home purchase programs but contain financing options for home improvements and repairs.
Hudson Valley Home Ownership and Revitalization: This program provides first-time home buyers with $25,000 in program funds for the acquisition and renovation of an identified property. There are income eligibility limits for this program. A minimum of $12,750 must be used for renovation or repairs of the property. “Repairs” are defined as those which will prolong the useful life of a home or shall correct structural defects or the repair of basic building systems that affect the health and safety of the homeowner.
Home Ownership Initiative: First-time home buyers can apply to receive up to $25,000 for the purchase of a house, condominium, or cooperative. At least $1,000 must be used for repairs to improve the housing quality standards of the purchased property. The assistance is in the form of a deferred forgivable loan that has recapture provisions.
Are there any city- or town-specific home improvement programs?
It is best to check with your city or town for up-to-date information. Here are a few:
Yonkers - Home Improvement Loan Program
This program is designed to assist city residents correct health, safety and code violations, and provide energy conservation and certain exterior repairs to homes. Income and program guidelines are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
City of Yonkers
Department of Community Development
40 South Broadway
Yonkers, NY 10701
Tel: (914)377-6000
White Plains - Community Development Rehabilitation Program
This loan program is available to homeowners in White Plains for the purpose of eliminating health or safety hazards as well as preventative maintenance projects. Repair projects may include roofing, replacement windows, boilers, carpentry, drainage, siding heating, plumbing, and electrical upgrades.
City of White Plains
Department of Planning
255 Main Street
White Plains, New York 10601
Tel: (914) 422-1264
City of Peekskill - Department of Planning
City of Peekskill
Department of Planning
840 Main Street
Peekskill, New York 10566
Tel: (914)737-3400
New Rochelle - Department of Community Development
City of New Rochelle
Department of Community Development
515 North Avenue
New Rochelle, New York 10801
Phone: (914) 654-2000
Mount Vernon
City of Mount Vernon
1 Roosevelt Square
Mount Vernon, New York 10550
Tel: (914) 665-2300
Several financial programs exist that can help you purchase a home through down payment grants and matched savings programs. They can also provide home improvement assistance.
Westchester Residential Opportunities (WRO)
470 Mamaroneck Avenue – Suite 410
White Plains, New York 10605
Tel: (914) 428-4507
WRO, founded in 1968, is a strong advocate for housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income people, minorities, senior citizens and the mentally disabled. WRO is a HUD-certified housing counseling agency, a licensed real estate broker and a United Way agency. WRO’s housing services are free and funded by government grants, private donors and corporate support. Financial assistance includes the following:
- The First Home Club – This provides a 3-to-1 match to help build savings for a down payment and closing costs. Members who save on a consistent basis can qualify for matching funds of up to $5,000 from a participating bank. Club members are required to receive 8-10 hours of individual and group home buying counseling.
- Individual Development Accounts – From time to time, WRO offers Individual Development Accounts (IDA), another way of saving money to buy a home. WRO or a participating bank may match funds saved by the individual. Financial literacy training as well as homebuying counseling are required.
- One-to-one homebuyer counseling for first time home buyers.
Community Housing Innovations, Inc.
75 South Broadway, Suite 340
White Plains, New York 10601
Tel: (914) 683-1010
E-mail:
CHI provides housing and human services to low- and moderate-income families and individuals. Since it was founded in 1991, CHI has provided housing and human services to thousands of families and individuals. CHI has developed 25 projects and manages nearly 500 housing units in Westchester, the Hudson Valley and Long Island. CHI offers the following homeownership assistance programs:
- First Home Club – This offers up to $5,000 in down payment assistance to first-time home buyers. Participants save towards their down payment and/or closing costs while receiving matching funds. For every dollar that participants save, the sponsoring bank will give a match of $3 in grant funds, up to a maximum of $5,000. Participants need to save $1,667 to receive the full grant of $5,000 which would be added to the deposits for a total of $6,667.00. Participants are required to remain in the program for at least 10 months and must also attend a financial literacy educational class learn about the homebuying process. First Home Club is administered by WRO.
- Westchester County Home Ownership Initiative – This program provides $25,000 to income-eligible first-time homebuyers who are purchasing a house, condominiums or cooperative within Westchester County. Gross household income must be at or below 80 percent of area medium income based on size of household. The owner must occupy the property for years in order to keep the assistance. If the owner moves out of the property or sells, or violates the mortgage terms then all of a portion of the assistance will have to be repaid.
- Hudson Valley Home Ownership and Revitalization – This program offers first-time homebuyers purchasing a property in Westchester or the Hudson Valley $25,000 in program funds for the acquisition and renovation of an identified property. Income limits are 80 percent of average median income for the area you wish to purchase your home. The assistance is in the form of a forgivable loan, which can be recaptured if the loan recipient does not occupy the property for 10 years. A minimum of 51 percent of the $25,000 -- $12,750 -- must be used for renovation of the property. “Repairs” of the home are defined as those that will prolong the useful life of a home or shall correct structural defects or the repair of basic building systems that threaten the health and safety of the dwelling’s residents if not corrected or repaired.
Human Development Services of Westchester (HDSW) is a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency serving Westchester County. It is also the designated Neighborhood Preservation Company (NPC) for the Village of Port Chester, with the goals of increasing and preserving affordable housing, and neighborhood stabilization, for village residents.
The First Home Club – This provides a 4-to-1 match to help build savings for a down payment and closing costs. Members who save on a consistent basis can qualify for matching funds of up to $7,500 from a participating bank. Club members are required to receive 8-10 hours of individual and group home buying counseling.
One-to-one homebuyer counseling for first time home buyers – Confidential counseling is available to review current financial situation, go over credit reports, and develop the best possible strategy to afford a home within budget.
Human Development Services of Westchester (HDSW)
Neighborhood Preservation Company Program
28 Adee Street
Port Chester, New York 10573
Tel: (914) 939-2005
E-mail:
If you have questions about home ownership, three HUD-certified housing organizations, which offer homebuyer counseling, would be happy to talk with you. Westchester has not-for-profit organizations that can assist you too. They may perform similar or different services and may serve specifically defined areas within Westchester.
How can I find homes that are for sale or rent in Westchester?
You can start with Web sites that list available real estate in Westchester County. The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors offers a link to a database of available homes, condominiums and co-operatives. The county newspaper, The Journal News, offers classified listings too.
You can access the national database of available rental apartments, where you'll find listing of apartments, condominiums and town homes. This site offers free e-mail alerts for new availabilities and contains up to six photographs for each listing.
The Penny Saver offers listings online as well as through their free publication. Most of these are apartments being offered by the owner of the property without broker representation. Many apartments listed are located in homes and are commonly called “accessory apartments."
Are there real estate organizations that represent all real estate professionals and can provide me with real estate sales and prices information?
Yes, the Westchester Board of Realtors represents all real estate brokers in Westchester and Putnam Counties. The board maintains a database on residential sales prices and levels as well as access to the multiple listing service that lists property sales.
Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors - Westchester
One Maple Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
Tel: 914-681-0833
If you're a first-time homebuyer, understanding the process before you find the house of your dreams is a good idea. Four HUD-certified housing organizations would be happy to help walk you through the homebuying process.
Learn what services these organizations provide and where you can find additional information about buying a home.
Westchester Residential Opportunities
470 Mamaroneck Avenue – Suite 410
White Plains, New York 10605
Tel: (914) 428-4507
E-mail for counseling in English
for counseling in Spanish
Human Development Services of Westchester
28 Adee Street
Port Chester, NY 10573
Tel: (914) 939-2005
E-mail:
Community Housing Innovations, Inc.
75 South Broadway, Suite 340
White Plains, New York 10601
Phone: (914) 683-1010
What services do these organizations provide?
Westchester Residential Opportunities (WRO) is a federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Certified home-buying agency in the County. Trained and experienced counselors can review your household financial situation and make recommendations to help you prepare to become a home buyer. The counselor will provide information on topics such as down payment, closing costs, first mortgage, PITI, and points and walk you through the home purchasing process. You can also find out how much home you can afford.
Human Development Services of Westchester (HDSW) is a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency serving Westchester County. It is also the designated Neighborhood Preservation Company (NPC) for the Village of Port Chester, with the goals of increasing and preserving affordable housing, and neighborhood stabilization, for village residents
HDSW’s bilingual and multicultural staff provides assistance to individuals and families interested in purchasing their first home through a variety of services. Confidential, one-on-one counseling is available to review your current financial situation, go over credit reports, and develop the best possible strategy to afford a home within budget. In addition, the agency offers group workshops and accelerated counseling to prospective homebuyers who are currently in contract and need to fulfill homebuyer counseling requirements in a timely manner.
Where else can I obtain information on buying a home?
Visit the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Web site, where you can access “100 Questions and Answers About Buying A New Home.” Check out the "Buying a Home Section." It includes information about affordability, your rights, how to shop for a home, and how to make an offer.
Another good site is maintained by the Government National Mortgage Association, also known as “Ginnie Mae.” Ginnie Mae is a federally sponsored agency that helps secure and guarantee the issuance of home mortgages. This site offers a number of helpful tools, such as an easy-to-use calculator to help you compare your income and consumer debt against an affordable mortgage.