Story 15: Opening the Door to Homeownership Beyond Ithaca
When Andy and Jenny welcomed their baby, they felt a growing urgency to put down roots. Renting no longer offered the stability they wanted for their new family. They hoped to find a home with a backyard where their child could play, and a space that Andy could transform into a workshop for his guitar‑making business. Still, the homebuying process felt intimidating. “Buying a home for the first time is complicated and daunting,” Andy recalled. “There are a lot of different things you need to know along the way.”
Their path to homeownership became clearer when they learned that INHS’s first time homebuyer programs extended beyond Ithaca and Tompkins County. In 2014, INHS expanded to its current seven-county service area, and Andy and Jenny became the first INHS homebuyers in Seneca County. “INHS helped navigate us through the process. They’re a very friendly, welcoming place,” Andy said.
With down-payment support through INHS, the young family avoided the added expense of private mortgage insurance, freeing up funds to renovate their new garage into Andy’s workshop. “That really helped us out,” he said.
“We knew INHS did great things in the City of Ithaca,” Andy added, “but we’re grateful that they’re serving people like us outside Tompkins County.”
Home Inspection Class: In-Person, May 14, 2026
