First-Time Homebuyers Can Get Help at Community Housing Innovations Homeownership Expo on June 28

WHITE PLAINS, NY - (June 11, 2025) – Breaking into the housing market is a challenge for first-time homebuyers. From bidding wars to mortgage approvals to raising the money for a downpayment, it’s no wonder that the share of the market comprised of first-time homebuyers is at a historic low. According to the National Association of Realtors, it was around 24 percent between July 2023 and June 2024.

Community Housing Innovations, a nonprofit dedicated to housing solutions, wants to help change that by offering practical and financial assistance to first-time home buyers at its 2025 Homeownership Expo at the Sonesta Hotel in White Plains on June 28 from 11 am to 3 pm. Prospective homeowners or those who already own a home but are at risk of losing it, can get advice from bankers, realtors, government agencies, mortgage companies, and others on everything they need to know to successfully own or keep a home.

“Owning a home is a steppingstone to a prosperous life,’’ said Ron Abad, CEO of Community Housing Innovations. “This free expo will bring together experts from across the board with valuable, practical advice to help those looking to break into the market. We are hoping this event will help level the playing field for first-time homebuyers.’’

The 2025 Homeownership Expo will include three workshop sessions:

11am-12pm - Keynote

12-1pm - Homeownership Grant Presentation

1-2 pm - Mortgage Lenders Presentations

2pm-2:45 - Eviction/Foreclosure Prevention

More than 20 expo sponsors will be there to answer questions including representatives from Chase, Emigrant, Key, PCSB, Ridgewood, Valley, Trustco and Webster Banks, Tinker Federal Credit Union, and Loan Depot; The National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Hudson Gateway Realtors Association, Creative Wave Realty Group, Rand Realty and Swan Real Estate; and government and nonprofits Westchester County, Sustainable Westchester, NYS Division of Human Rights, Community Resource Center and The City of New Rochelle.

To register, call 914-595-0992 or visit CHI’s 2025 Homeownership Expo | Community Housing Innovations

Some obstacles to first-time homebuyers in New York include:

• High Home Prices: Limited inventory and persistent demand continue to drive up property values across the state, making affordability a primary concern.
• Elevated Mortgage Rates: Mortgage rates have remained at levels that significantly raise monthly payments and reduce overall buying power.
• Limited Inventory: A shortage of available homes, particularly at affordable price points, intensifies competition and can lead to bidding wars.
• Saving for a Down Payment: High rents and rising costs of living make it difficult for many to save the substantial down payment and closing costs required.
• Competition from Institutional Investors: In some areas, large investment entities buying up single and two-family homes can outbid individual buyers.
• Tight Lending Standards: Lenders often require higher credit scores and lower debt-to-income ratios, which can be challenging for those just starting their careers or with existing debt.

About Community Housing Innovations (CHI):

Community Housing Innovations, Inc. (CHI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing and human services to support independence and growth. CHI serves individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or have special needs, offering a range of programs including emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, and supportive services.

CHI is committed to ending generational poverty by helping those in need move from homelessness to permanent, affordable, and workforce housing as well as achieve their dreams as first-time homebuyers.