...

Turn Your Rent Payments Into Home Equity in Brooklyn, NY

Stop making landlords rich. Start building wealth through homeownership with grants up to $350,000 that make your dream home affordable!

About Rayma Garraway

Take Your Step Toward Homeownership Today

Meet Rayma Garraway, aka The Down Payment Grant Queen! With a mission to empower homebuyers, Rayma helps individuals and families secure down payment grants and closing cost assistance up to $350,000. As a seasoned expert, she provides personalized guidance through the homebuying process, from credit repair tips to finding the best home loan options.

Through her comprehensive programs, Rayma equips future home buyers with the knowledge and tools needed to overcome financial barriers and achieve homeownership. Her services include:

  • FREE 90-minute homebuyer orientation
  • Government-approved 8-hour interactive Pre-Purchase online course
  • 1-on-1 counseling to find the best home loan options
  • Access to over 2,000 down payment assistance programs for educators, first responders, healthcare workers, veterans, section 8 recieptants and more


Rayma’s promise: “We’ll show you how to qualify for down payment help — guaranteed.” With her expertise, homebuyers can turn their dreams into reality and start building generational wealth. Let Rayma guide you every step of the way to keys in your hands!

2,000 GRANTS available for making your dream of homeownership a realty!

Don’t let a lack of down payment keep you from homeownership. Our team specializes in connecting buyers with free money that never needs to be repaid.

Annual Rent Waste

What are you paying in rent?

What $2,000 monthly rent costs you each year

How much your monthly mortgage payment would be if you bought a house in 2025

If you’re paying over $2,500 a month in rent, you might be surprised to learn that you can afford a mortgage and own a home. With down payment grants, your dream of homeownership can become a reality.

What’s Possible?

– Buy up to a 4-unit building: With the right financing and grants, you can invest in a multi-unit property and generate rental income to help offset your mortgage payments.

Understand Your Buying Power

How Much Can You Afford?

  • Your income tells you how much home you can afford.

  • Importance of living within your means.

  • Renting a multifamily property can help you qualify for a bigger home faster.

  • Roll up 75% of rental income to qualify for a larger mortgage.

Your Roadmap to Homeownership

The 9 Simple Steps to Homeownership in Brooklyn, NY

1.

Attend our First-time Homebuyers Orientation

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will make. By completing our 90-minute online or in-person pre-purchase workshop, many of your concerns will be addressed, your questions answered, and you will feel confident about moving forward.

2.

Review Your Credit Reports

We need to take a look at your credit reports from the top three major bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Remember, Credit Karma scores will not work — lenders look at your true FICO scores.

3.

Get Pre-Approved by a Home Loan Officer

Provide your financial supporting documents to find out exactly how much house you can afford. This will give you the confidence to shop within your budget.

4.

Register for Our Grant Course

Complete our $397 online Grant Course to become certified. Certification is accepted by major lenders nationwide and designed to help you unlock grants up to $350,000.

5.

Start House Tours with a Realtor

With your pre-approval in hand, start shopping for homes within your approved budget. See something you love? You’ll be ready to make an offer.

6.

Make an Offer and Provide Earnest Money Deposit

When you find the right home, make an offer and submit an earnest deposit (typically $100 to 5% of the purchase price) to show your commitment.

7.

Complete Due Diligence

After your offer is accepted, it’s time for inspections and legal reviews: Attorney Review - Home Inspection (foundation, roof, mold, sewer, radon, termites) - Appraisal - Title Search

8.

Apply for Available Grants

Apply for over 2,000 available grants, some offering up to $350,000. Income limits and eligibility vary, but there's a grant for everyone.

9.

Final Steps to Homeownership

Order homeowner's insurance, complete the Clear-to-Close process, wire your down payment and closing costs, confirm that your grant funds are received, do a final walkthrough — and then close on your new home.

Credit Education

Understand Your Credit and Why It Matters

Before you move forward, it’s important to review your credit reports. We will look at your reports from the three major credit bureaus:

These agencies collect and maintain information about your credit history, which is used to generate your credit scores.

However, there are over 200 additional credit reporting agencies including:

  • Innovis: Often used for identity verification.

  • LexisNexis: Used for risk management and identity checks.

  • SageStream: SageStream is a credit reporting agency that provides alternative credit scoring models. They specialize in evaluating creditworthiness for individuals with limited or no traditional credit history.

  • CoreLogic: CoreLogic is a leading provider of property data, analytics, and services. While not a traditional credit bureau, CoreLogic offers credit reporting and risk management solutions for the mortgage industry.

  • ARS: ARS (Automated Reporting System) is not a well-known credit bureau. However, it’s possible that ARS refers to a specific credit reporting system or tool used within the mortgage industry.

  • ClearStage Credit: Focused on alternative credit data.

Specialty agencies may report information like rent payments, utility bills, and public records.

Important: Credit Karma does not give lenders the score they need. Lenders look at your FICO score, not a consumer advantage score.

Check Your Real Credit Reports:

Annual Rent Waste

What Bad Credit Costs You?

Bad Credit

Having a lower credit score can cost you thousands over time:

  • Higher interest rates on credit cards and loans.
  • Higher auto insurance premiums.
  • Higher mortgage rates — meaning more money paid over the life of the loan.

Boost Your Credit Score:

  • Use tools like Prime subscriptions, Gym memberships, Experian Boost, and Sofi to report positive activity.
  • Report your rental payments to the credit bureaus using services like:

🏡 Types of Homes You Can Buy in Brooklyn, NY

When you’re ready to purchase, you can choose from a variety of property types, including:

Co-ops

Condominiums

Single-family homes

Three-family homes

Four-family homes

Mixed-use (residential + storefront)

Cost of Buying a Home

Types of Loans Available Nationwide

FHA Loan

3.5% down payment

FHA 203K Rehab Loan

Conventional Mortgage

VA Loan

2% application fee waived with seller concessions

USDA/Rural Loan

Up to 97% of contract price (not exceeding appraised value)

📑 Closing Costs Breakdown

Closing costs (also known as settlement costs) are fees paid at the end of a real estate transaction. Buyer’s closing costs usually range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price.

What Closing Costs Typically Include:

  • Title Insurance & Escrow Fees – $1,500–$3,000

  • Loan Origination Fee – 0.5%–1% of the loan amount

  • Appraisal Fee – $300–$1,000

  • Inspection Fee – $300–$1,000

  • Credit Report Fee – $30–$150

  • Flood Determination Fee – $15–$50

  • Survey Fee – $500–$2,000

  • Mortgage Broker Fee – 0.5%–2% of the loan

  • Recording Fees – $100–$500

  • Transfer Taxes – Varies by location

  • Homeowners Insurance – First-year premium

  • PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) – If applicable

Purchase Price Example

Home Price

$100,000

Bank Contribution

$97,500 (97% financing)

Your Contribution

$2,500 (3% down payment)

Grant Assistance

Can cover down payment + closing costs

What Our Clients Are Saying

“I never thought I could afford a home, but with the help of Grant Me the Keys, I secured a great mortgage and down payment assistance. Highly recommend!”

Lisa Texas

“I never thought I could afford a home, but with the help of Grant Me the Keys, I secured a great mortgage and down payment assistance. Highly recommend it!”

John Brooklyn, NY

"From start to finish, Grant Me the Keys was outstanding. They showed me grant options I never knew I qualified for and made the entire experience stress-free. I couldn't have done it without them!"

Sophia Los Angeles, CA

The team at Grant Me the Keys truly cares about your success. They made the complicated parts of buying my first home feel simple and achievable. I’m now a proud homeowner thanks to their expert guidance!"

Michael Atlanta, GA

Unlock Homebuyer Grants in Brooklyn, NY

  • Access over 2,000 grant programs nationwide

  • Grants up to $350,000 available

  • Special options to buy down interest rates

Special Programs Include:

  • Physicians

  • Chenoa Fund

  • NACA

Ways to Boost Your Credit

  • Prime subscription services

  • Gym memberships

  • Experian Boost

  • SoFi usage

  • Rent reporting

Certification Accepted Nationwide

State-by-State Homebuyer Grants and DPA Programs

  • Program: AHFA Step Up DPA
  • Lowest: 1% closing cost grant (income-dependent)
  • Highest: $10,000 (10-year second mortgage).
  • Program: AHELP (Affordable Housing Enhanced Loan)
  • Lowest: Varies by provider 
  • Highest: 4% of loan amount (closing cost grant).
  • Program: Home Plus Arizona
  • Lowest: 3% deferred loan
  • Highest: $20,000 (Pathway to Purchase grant).
  • Program: FHLB Dallas HELP Grant

  • Lowest: $500 minimum contribution required

  • Highest: $20,000 (for non-Texas/NM properties)

  • Program: CalHFA MyHome Assistance

  • Lowest: 3.5% deferred loan

  • Highest: $350,000 (local city programs, e.g., San Francisco)

  • Program: Florida HFA First-Time Homebuyer Program

  • Lowest: $7,500 (HFA Preferred grants)

  • Highest: $50,000 (county-specific programs like Miami-Dade)

  • Program: Atlanta Housing DPA

  • Lowest: $5,000

  • Highest: $25,000 (for public safety/healthcare workers)

  • Program: IHDAccess Forgivable DPA

  • Lowest: $5,000

  • Highest: $10,000 (forgivable over 5 years)

  • Program: MHC Smart6 DPA

  • Lowest: $6,000 (0% deferred loan)

  • Highest: $15,000 (Jackson city program)

  • Program: HomeFirst DPA

  • Lowest: $5,000

  • Highest: $100,000 (NYC boroughs)

  • Program: TSAHC DPA Grant

  • Lowest: 3% of loan amount

  • Highest: $40,000 (Chenoa Fund forgivable loan)

  • Program: Virginia DHCD HOMEownership DPA

  • Lowest: $14,999 (forgivable over 5 years)

  • Highest: $60,000 (Norfolk’s NRHA program)

Success stories

Looking for Homebuyer Assistance Near You?

Whether you’re searching for down payment assistance, first-time homebuyer programs, or mortgage solutions, we are here to help – near you.

At Grant Me the Keys, we serve homebuyers in Brooklyn, NY, and across the U.S., including areas like California, Texas, Florida, and Virginia. No matter where you are, our local experts are available to provide personalized support for your homebuying needs.

What are we selling?

Making homeownership a realty !

Down payment Grants up to $350,000

The star:

Online Grant class certification upon completion

  • 90-minute Orientation
  • 1 on 1 consultation for a costomized roadmap to homeownership
  • Grant certification course
  • Preapproval by participating lender

Book digital $19.99
Book Print $32
Journal $12.97

First 100 to order Bundle $397

Personal Credit repair $449.00

Key Eligibility & Program Notes

  • Specific state or program type (e.g., teacher-specific grants, veterans, physicians and more)?
  • Additional Programs: Some states offer Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCCs), reducing federal tax liability (e.g., up to $2,000/year in Mississippi) .
  • For a complete list of 2,466 programs nationwide, including local/city-specific options, refer to The Down Payment Grant Queen for updates on tools, network & resource (The Down Payment Grant Queen)

Here's What You Get Inside the Program

What’s Inside the Program?

$297 class (normally $597) — Lunch + Certification

Access to 2,000+ real grants (up to $350K!)

Chance to win a 60” TV

1-on-1 support from real experts

We see you, not just your credit score

Simple Pricing. Transparent Services.

Product
Price
First-time Home buyer orientation
FREE
1 on 1 consultation
FREE
Pre-purchase homeownership Grant Class
$397
Rent Reporting
Boost your credit by reporting your rent
Personal Credit Repair
$349
Book
Digital $19.99 - Print $32 - Journal $14.97
Book bundle 
All 3 in $49

We hold 1-on-1 sessions with Ria every Wednesday at 9PM EST

Live In-person instructor led Grant Class

Join Our Pre-Purchase Grant Class!

Get ready to unlock the door to homeownership with our interactive 8-hour class. Here’s what you can expect:

  • In-person instruction: Learn from experienced professionals who will guide you through the process.
  • Interactive learning: Engage with fellow students and instructors in a dynamic and supportive environment.
    – Bring your laptop or tablet: Stay organized and take notes with your device of choice.
  • Breakfast and lunch served: Enjoy a meal on us while you learn and network.


What You’ll Learn

  • Pre-purchase grant options: Discover the grants and programs available to help you buy your dream home.
  • Home buying process: Understand the steps involved in purchasing a home, from pre-approval to closing.
  • Financial planning: Learn how to manage your finances and prepare for homeownership.
  • Certification upon completion


Don’t Miss Out!

Join us for an unforgettable learning experience. Register now and take the first step towards achieving your homeownership goals!

Survey & Testimonials

Survey & Testimonials

3 Things I’ve Learned


Aha Moment:
“A moment of sudden realization, inspiration, insight, or comprehension.”

Example:
When I’m talking to someone and they say something that makes me see life differently.

Seraphinite AcceleratorOptimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.