Buffalo continues a trend that just a few years ago would've been thought impossible: it has the hottest housing market in the entire United States of America.

While the region has seen some serious price increases, the area remains relatively affordable to live in, the Buffalo area, and coupled with the reality that our housing prices are still pretty low compared to other cities in America. Even with lower than-normal housing inventory, houses are available to buy and have the perfect scenario to create a red-hot market with increasing prices.

All of these things can make it incredibly difficult for those looking to buy their first house, and having to compete in this market when you don't know what you are doing puts many folks at a disadvantage. Even though the home-buying season hasn't started yet, it's never too early to become a homeowner. Especially with all the price increases we've seen, Western New York is still one of the most affordable places to buy a house.

The good thing is that quite a few government organizations and non-profit organizations specialize in helping people become first-time homebuyers. They help in many ways, like helping people get their credit together, educating them on the home-buying process, and even providing some financial help like down-payment assistance.

Here is a list of the top local first-time homebuyer programs based on information made available by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development:

Google Maps
Google Maps
loading...

BELMONT HOUSING RESOURCES FOR WNY, INCORPORATED

2393 Main St, Buffalo, New York

Google Maps
Google Maps
loading...

HOMEFRONT, INC. / BROADWAY-FILLMORE NHS, INC.

780 Fillmore Ave, Buffalo, New York

Google Maps
Google Maps
loading...

NACA (NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE CORPORATION OF AMERICA) BUFFALO, NY

135 Delaware Ave Ste 102, Buffalo, New York

Google Maps
Google Maps
loading...

BUFFALO URBAN LEAGUE, INC.

15 Genesee St, Buffalo, New York

Google Maps
Google Maps
loading...

CCCS OF BUFFALO, INC.

40 Gardenville Pkwy Ste 300, Buffalo, New York

Google Maps
Google Maps
loading...

NEIGHBORWORKS COMMUNITY PARTNERS

479 16th St, NIAGARA FALLS, New York

Google Maps
Google Maps
loading...

PATHSTONE CORPORATION

301 North St, BATAVIA, New York

Google Maps
Google Maps
loading...

CHAUTAUQUA OPPORTUNITIES, INCORPORATED

10825 Bennett Rd, Dunkirk, New York

5 Starter Homes You Can Buy Right Now In Erie and Niagara County, New York

Buffalo has the hottest housing market in the nation, and if you're looking to move from renting to owning, then here are a few options for you to check out. 

Gallery Credit: Ed Nice

5 Niagara County Homes For Sale Under $150,000

Buffalo has the hottest housing market in the nation, and if you're looking to move from renting to owning north of Buffalo, here are a few options for you to check out. 

Gallery Credit: Ed Nice

Buffalo's Most Expensive House For Rent

The house, located at 136 Lisbon Ave, is the most expensive single-family house for rent in Buffalo, boasting 8 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, available for $4,800 per month.

Gallery Credit: Ed Nice

More From 106.5 WYRK