Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc)

Mortgages · NY

Rating: 4/5

Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) logo

NHSNYC is a federally certified CDFI and HUD-approved housing counselor offering affordable mortgages, home repair loans, and comprehensive homeownership education across New York City.

Official Website

http://www.nhsnyc.org

Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) Review

Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (NHSNYC) is a mission-driven nonprofit organization established to empower New Yorkers to achieve affordable homeownership. As a federally certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency, NHSNYC operates with the dual mandate of lending and education, bridging the gap between aspiration and homeownership for underserved populations in NYC.

NHSYC offers a comprehensive suite of homeownership services including mortgage origination and facilitation, home repair loans and grants, foreclosure prevention counseling, and extensive financial literacy programming. Their lending services help eligible clients purchase homes, make critical repairs, and maintain homeownership through accessible financing. Beyond lending, they provide free and low-cost educational programs including homebuyer orientation seminars, one-on-one financial counseling ($80 per session), home-buyer education courses, and specialized workshops on insurance, credit improvement, and estate planning.

They also administer assistance programs funded through partnerships with public and private organizations, including downpayment and closing cost assistance.

What distinguishes NHSNYC is their integrated approach combining lending with mandatory financial education and counseling—homebuyers seeking downpayment assistance must complete one-on-one counseling and education sessions. They offer bilingual programming (Spanish-language orientation sessions visible on calendar), hold NeighborWorks America charter membership status, and provide specialized services beyond mortgages including foreclosure prevention, landlord training, tenant services, property management support, and RAM (Residential Apartment Manager) certification. Their event calendar shows consistent, accessible programming with weekend and evening options across multiple NYC neighborhoods.

For prospective homebuyers in New York City without significant down payment savings or strong credit profiles, NHSNYC represents a viable pathway to homeownership. However, their services are NYC-specific, and financing approval still depends on creditworthiness and income verification as with any CDFI lender. Their one-on-one counseling fee ($80) may be a barrier for the most financially distressed, though free orientation seminars lower entry barriers.

Pros & Cons

Reader-focused summary of the strongest reasons to consider Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) and the factors most worth weighing before contracting. Individual outcomes depend on your credit situation and goals.

Pros

  • Federally certified CDFI with HUD housing counselor approval, meeting rigorous regulatory standards
  • Offers integrated homebuyer education requirement with lending, reducing default risk and improving long-term outcomes
  • Provides free homebuyer orientation seminars and low-cost one-on-one counseling ($80) with certified counselors
  • Administers downpayment and closing cost assistance programs through public-private partnerships
  • Offers mortgages specifically for co-op and condo buyers, addressing NYC-specific housing challenges
  • Bilingual programming including Spanish-language homebuyer orientation and counseling
  • Comprehensive wrap-around services including foreclosure prevention, home repair loans/grants, and property management support
  • Consistent community programming with accessible scheduling (evenings, weekends, Saturdays)

Areas to Consider

  • !Services limited to New York City geographic area only
  • !One-on-one counseling requires $80 fee, which may exclude lowest-income applicants despite free alternatives
  • !Website does not disclose specific mortgage rates, terms, APRs, or loan amount ranges, making rate comparison impossible
  • !No published information on application timelines, approval rates, or typical loan-to-value requirements
  • !Downpayment and closing cost assistance eligibility criteria not detailed on website; likely income-restricted

Verdict Summary

Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) works best for consumers who value federally certified cdfi with hud housing counselor approval, meeting rigorous r and can accept the tradeoff of services limited to new york city geographic area only. Compare against similar providers below before signing any contract.

Services & Features

Services offered

Feature Checklist

Credit Monitoring
All Three Bureaus
Goodwill Letters
Cease Desist Letters
Debt Validation
Credit Education
Identity Theft Protection
Score Tracking
Mobile App
Online Portal
Personal Advisor
Ai Powered

Best For

Before You Contact Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc)

Before signing up with any Mortgages provider, review these safeguards:

Compare Your Needs With Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc)

Match these decision factors against Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc)'s profile before committing. This rubric mirrors what independent consumer-finance research typically checks for Mortgages providers.

Category

Mortgages

Service scope

14 services listed

Geographic coverage

1 states

Match to your priorities

  • Budget priority: Pricing published above — factor in setup, monthly, and cancellation fees over the full expected service window.
  • Complexity priority: Consider Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc)'s stated strengths (Federally certified CDFI with HUD housing counselor approval, meeting rigorous regulatory standards) against your specific credit situation.
  • Timeline priority: Mortgages typically takes 3-6 months for meaningful outcomes. Providers guaranteeing overnight results are red flags under federal consumer protection law.
  • Recourse priority: Confirm state licensing via your state regulator and check the CFPB complaint database before contracting.
  • Alternatives: Compare against all Mortgages providers, DIY options via non-profit counseling agencies, and free CFPB resources.

Pricing

  • Monthly Price: 0
  • Setup Fee: 0
  • Money Back Guarantee: False
  • Guarantee Details:
  • Free Consultation: True
  • Tiers: []
  • Currency: USD

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) offer?

Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) offers 14 services including Mortgage origination and facilitation for home purchases, Home repair loans and grants, Downpayment and closing cost assistance programs, Foreclosure prevention counseling and assistance, Free homebuyer orientation seminars, and 9 more. Confirm current service list directly with the provider before contracting.

Who is Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) best suited for?

Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc)'s profile signals suggest it may fit: First-time homebuyers in New York City with modest down payment savings seeking affordable mortgages and financial guidance; NYC residents seeking foreclosure prevention counseling, home repair financing, or homeownership education; Co-op and condo buyers in New York City needing specialized lending and education for multifamily property purchases; Homeowners and landlords seeking property management training, insurance guidance, and financial empowerment programming. Individual outcomes vary based on your specific situation.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc)?

Key strengths: Federally certified CDFI with HUD housing counselor approval, meeting rigorous regulatory standards; Offers integrated homebuyer education requirement with lending, reducing default risk and improving long-term outcomes; Provides free homebuyer orientation seminars and low-cost one-on-one counseling ($80) with certified counselors. Areas to consider: Services limited to New York City geographic area only; One-on-one counseling requires $80 fee, which may exclude lowest-income applicants despite free alternatives.

How does Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) compare to similar companies?

In the Mortgages category, comparable providers include Access Capital Group, Inc., Agave Home Loans, Alpha Abstract Agency. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Where does Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) operate?

Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) serves customers in 1 states including NY. Confirm current service availability in your state directly with the provider.

How much does Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) cost?

Listed pricing for Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc): monthly price: 0; setup fee: 0; money back guarantee: False. Pricing may change — verify current fees directly with the provider before signing any contract.

Visit Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc)

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Mortgages consumers in New York. It does not confirm that Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator: New York Department of Financial Services
Consumer protection: New York Attorney General Consumer Frauds Bureau

Credit and debt help rules in New York

Key state rules to check

Payday lending in New York: Banned

Usury cap: 16% civil usury; 25% criminal usury; payday lending banned

Complaint resources

State references

New York bans payday lending through its 16% civil usury and 25% criminal usury caps. The Department of Financial Services aggressively pursues illegal online payday lenders. Consumers have strong protections under state law and can file complaints with DFS or the Attorney General.

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Related Questions

Quick Summary

Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) — Mortgages in NY.

Overall rating: 4/5

NHSNYC is a federally certified CDFI and HUD-approved housing counselor offering affordable mortgages, home repair loans, and comprehensive homeownership education across New York City.

Next Steps

  1. Compare Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) against similar options above.
  2. Run our borrowing power quiz to see how Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) matches your situation.
  3. Check state regulator listings for Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc)'s licensing before committing.
  4. Visit Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City (Nhs of Nyc) once you're ready.

Glossary of Terms

Common terms that come up when comparing Mortgages providers. Full glossary at creditdoc.co/glossary/.

Amortization — Loan Amortization
The process of paying off a loan through regular payments that cover both principal and interest. Early payments are mostly interest; later payments are mostly principal.
Why it matters: Understanding amortization explains why paying extra early in a loan saves the most money — you're reducing the principal that interest is calculated on.
Example: Month 1 of a $200,000 mortgage at 6%: your $1,199 payment splits as $1,000 interest + $199 principal. By month 300: only $47 goes to interest and $1,152 goes to principal.
APR — Annual Percentage Rate
The total yearly cost of borrowing money, including the interest rate plus any fees the lender charges. Think of it as the 'true price tag' on a loan.
Why it matters: Lenders must show APR by law (Truth in Lending Act) because the interest rate alone can hide fees. Comparing APR across lenders is the most reliable way to find the cheapest loan.
Example: You borrow $10,000 at 6% interest for 3 years, but there's a $300 origination fee. The interest rate is 6%, but the APR is 6.9% because it includes that fee. You'd pay $304/month and $946 total in interest.
Closing Costs — Mortgage Closing Costs
The fees paid when finalizing a home purchase or refinance — typically 2-5% of the loan amount. They include appraisal, title insurance, attorney fees, and lender fees.
Why it matters: Closing costs can add $6,000-$15,000 to a home purchase that buyers don't always budget for. Some can be negotiated or rolled into the loan.
Example: You buy a $300,000 home. Closing costs at 3% = $9,000. That includes: appraisal $500, title insurance $1,500, attorney $800, origination fee $3,000, taxes/escrow $3,200.
DTI Ratio — Debt-to-Income Ratio
The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.
Why it matters: Most lenders want DTI below 36% for personal loans and below 43% for mortgages. Above that, you're considered overextended and likely to be denied.
Example: You earn $5,000/month gross. Your debts: $1,200 mortgage + $300 car + $200 student loans = $1,700/month. DTI = 34%. A new $400/month loan would push you to 42% — risky for lenders.
Escrow — Escrow Account
An account managed by your mortgage lender that holds money for property taxes and homeowners insurance. A portion of each mortgage payment goes into escrow, and the lender pays these bills for you.
Why it matters: Escrow ensures taxes and insurance are always paid on time (protecting the lender's investment). Your monthly payment may go up if taxes or insurance increase.
Example: Your mortgage payment is $1,400: $1,050 principal+interest + $250 property taxes + $100 insurance. The $350 for taxes/insurance goes into escrow. The lender pays your tax bill in December from escrow.
FHA Loan — Federal Housing Administration Loan
A government-insured mortgage that allows lower down payments (as low as 3.5%) and lower credit score requirements (580+). The FHA insures the loan, reducing risk for lenders.
Why it matters: FHA loans make homeownership accessible for first-time buyers and those with imperfect credit. The tradeoff: you must pay Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) for the life of the loan.
Example: You have a 620 credit score and $10,500 saved. On a $300,000 home: FHA lets you put 3.5% down ($10,500) vs. conventional requiring 5-20% down ($15,000-$60,000).
Fixed Rate — Fixed Interest Rate
An interest rate that stays the same for the entire life of the loan. Your monthly payment never changes.
Why it matters: Fixed rates protect you from market changes. If rates go up, your payment stays the same. The tradeoff: fixed rates are usually slightly higher than starting variable rates.
Example: You get a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% fixed. Whether rates rise to 9% or drop to 4% over the next 30 years, your payment stays at $1,264/month on a $200,000 loan.
Interest Rate
The percentage a lender charges you for borrowing their money, calculated on the amount you still owe. It's the lender's profit for taking the risk of lending to you.
Why it matters: Even a 1% difference in interest rate can cost you thousands over a loan's life. Lower rates mean less money out of your pocket.
Example: On a $20,000 car loan for 5 years: at 5% you pay $2,645 in interest. At 8% you pay $4,332. That 3% difference costs you $1,687 extra.
Loan Term (Tenor) — Loan Term / Tenor
How long you have to repay the loan, measured in months or years. A shorter term means higher monthly payments but less total interest paid.
Why it matters: Longer terms feel more affordable monthly but cost much more overall. A 30-year mortgage costs almost double in interest compared to a 15-year mortgage on the same amount.
Example: Borrowing $200,000 at 6.5%: A 15-year term costs $1,742/month ($113,561 total interest). A 30-year term costs $1,264/month ($255,088 total interest). You save $141,527 with the shorter term.
LTV — Loan-to-Value Ratio
The ratio of your loan amount to the property's appraised value, expressed as a percentage. It tells the lender how much of the home's value they're financing.
Why it matters: LTV above 80% usually requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which adds $100-300/month. Lower LTV = lower risk for lender = better rate for you.
Example: Home value: $300,000. Down payment: $60,000. Loan: $240,000. LTV = 80%. You avoid PMI. If you only put $30,000 down (90% LTV), you'd pay PMI until you reach 80%.
Mortgage Refinancing
Replacing your current mortgage with a new one, usually to get a lower rate, change the loan term, or pull cash out of your home equity.
Why it matters: A 1% rate reduction on a $250,000 mortgage saves ~$150/month ($54,000 over 30 years). But closing costs of 2-5% mean you need to stay long enough to break even.
Example: You have a $300,000 mortgage at 7.5% ($2,098/month). Rates drop to 6%. Refinancing costs $8,000 in closing. New payment: $1,799/month. Monthly savings: $299. Breakeven: 27 months.
PMI — Private Mortgage Insurance
Insurance that protects the LENDER (not you) if you default on a mortgage with less than 20% down payment. You pay the premium, but it only covers the lender's loss.
Why it matters: PMI typically costs 0.5-1.5% of the loan per year and adds nothing to your equity. Once you reach 20% equity, you can request it be removed.
Example: On a $250,000 loan with 10% down, PMI at 0.8% = $2,000/year ($167/month). After 5 years, your home's value rises and your equity reaches 20%. You request PMI removal and save $167/month.
Points (Discount Points) — Mortgage Discount Points
Upfront fees you pay to the lender at closing to buy a lower interest rate. One point = 1% of the loan amount and typically reduces your rate by 0.25%.
Why it matters: Points make sense if you plan to stay in the home long enough for the monthly savings to exceed the upfront cost. That breakeven point is usually 4-6 years.
Example: On a $250,000 mortgage at 6.5%: you pay 1 point ($2,500) to get 6.25%. Monthly payment drops from $1,580 to $1,539 — saving $41/month. Breakeven in 61 months (5 years).
Prepayment Penalty
A fee some lenders charge if you pay off your loan early. The lender loses the interest they expected to earn, so they penalize you for leaving early.
Why it matters: Always ask about prepayment penalties before signing. They can trap you in a high-rate loan even if you find a better deal to refinance into.
Example: Your mortgage has a 2% prepayment penalty for the first 3 years. If you refinance after year 2 on a $200,000 balance, you'd owe a $4,000 penalty fee.
Refinancing — Loan Refinancing
Replacing your current loan with a new one, usually at a lower interest rate or with different terms. The new loan pays off the old one.
Why it matters: Refinancing can save thousands if rates drop or your credit improves. But watch for fees — a $3,000 refinancing cost needs to be offset by monthly savings.
Example: You have a $180,000 mortgage at 7.5% ($1,259/month). You refinance to 6% ($1,079/month), saving $180/month. With $3,000 in closing costs, you break even in 17 months.