Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Community Land Trust?
Community Land Trusts are membership-based community organizations whose missions include permanent stewardship of land for community benefit and any assets on the land. Our focus is on community-first affordable housing for families of low- and moderate-income paired with client-first programs. We fundraise to build affordable housing and work to maintain affordability over time, balancing the community’s need for a stock of permanently affordable housing with affordable housing and equity-building opportunities for individual families. To learn more, visit our CLT Information page.
How can I learn more about the affordable rental program?
To learn more about our affordable rental program and/or to sign up for the rental interest list, please click here. Please visit the "contact us" page to submit an inquiry, email us at info[at]yshome.org, or call our offices at 937-767-2790 with questions.
Do I qualify for the homeownership program?
Program eligibility is based on household size and income. Yellow Springs Home, Inc. works with families or individuals who earn up to 80% of Area Median Income. In some instances, we are able to serve households making less than 50% AMI and up to 120% of AMI. To see a current income chart, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Is there a waitlist for homes?
Yes. Initial applicants for the homebuyer program are added to Home, Inc.’s Preparing List. As clients work through the program, they are moved onto the Ready List once they become mortgage-ready. As homeownership opportunities arise, qualified clients who complete all required steps and are on the Ready List are given first priority. It's always a great time to sign up!
Our rental interest list works a little differently. Once you sign up for our rental interest list, you will be contacted with any rental opportunities as they arise. We will call for applications for a period of time, then do a lottery to select applications to move forward. Staff are available to assist with the application process, and hard copies of applications are always made available. Our intent is to make rental opportunities accessible and fair to all.
My credit and/or finances need some work. Should I still sign up?
Yes! We have a homebuyer and financial coaching program that offers individualized support to strengthen finances, set goals, create a household budget, and work to become mortgage ready. We often work with clients who need to repair credit, save for down payment, reduce debt, and reach other financial goals to become mortgage-ready. To learn more, please visit our Homebuyer Coaching Program Page.
I have a house in mind already that's not part of the Community Land Trust program. Can you still help me purchase a home?
Yes. Our homebuyer coaching program works with clients who are over-income or pursuing opportunities outside of Home, Inc.'s portfolio. The program is designed to help clients determine an affordable mortgage amount, learn information about the financial requirements to obtain a mortgage, what to expect as they go through the homebuyer process, learn about different mortgage options, and how to be a successful homeowner. In addition, we are certified to offer low-interest mortgages in-house through a USDA Rural Development loan program for qualifying applicants. Please contact us for more program details.
Do homeowners pay property taxes to support the Village and local schools?
Yes. Yellow Springs Home, Inc. homeowners pay their fair share of property taxes. The current affordable housing portfolio generates more than $70,000 in annual property tax revenue and contributes to the economic health of the community and local schools.
Are homeowners allowed to sell their homes?
Yes. Home, Inc. will work with you to sell your home to a qualified household when you are ready to sell. Sellers are typically able to forego hiring a Realtor.
Will a homeowner be forced to sell their home if their income goes up?
No. Income eligibility is determined at the time of purchase.
Will I be able to leave my home to my children?
Yes, unless there is a restriction tied to a specific funding source. The 99-year ground lease, which conveys ownership of the home, can be transferred to your heirs. Heirs include any children, or anyone living in the home for more than six months such as a domestic partner, regardless of their income.
What other area resources are out there?
Check out our "Homeowner Resources" page for a list of other area resources.
What is a Community Land Trust?
Community Land Trusts are membership-based community organizations whose missions include permanent stewardship of land for community benefit and any assets on the land. Our focus is on community-first affordable housing for families of low- and moderate-income paired with client-first programs. We fundraise to build affordable housing and work to maintain affordability over time, balancing the community’s need for a stock of permanently affordable housing with affordable housing and equity-building opportunities for individual families. To learn more, visit our CLT Information page.
How can I learn more about the affordable rental program?
To learn more about our affordable rental program and/or to sign up for the rental interest list, please click here. Please visit the "contact us" page to submit an inquiry, email us at info[at]yshome.org, or call our offices at 937-767-2790 with questions.
Do I qualify for the homeownership program?
Program eligibility is based on household size and income. Yellow Springs Home, Inc. works with families or individuals who earn up to 80% of Area Median Income. In some instances, we are able to serve households making less than 50% AMI and up to 120% of AMI. To see a current income chart, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Is there a waitlist for homes?
Yes. Initial applicants for the homebuyer program are added to Home, Inc.’s Preparing List. As clients work through the program, they are moved onto the Ready List once they become mortgage-ready. As homeownership opportunities arise, qualified clients who complete all required steps and are on the Ready List are given first priority. It's always a great time to sign up!
Our rental interest list works a little differently. Once you sign up for our rental interest list, you will be contacted with any rental opportunities as they arise. We will call for applications for a period of time, then do a lottery to select applications to move forward. Staff are available to assist with the application process, and hard copies of applications are always made available. Our intent is to make rental opportunities accessible and fair to all.
My credit and/or finances need some work. Should I still sign up?
Yes! We have a homebuyer and financial coaching program that offers individualized support to strengthen finances, set goals, create a household budget, and work to become mortgage ready. We often work with clients who need to repair credit, save for down payment, reduce debt, and reach other financial goals to become mortgage-ready. To learn more, please visit our Homebuyer Coaching Program Page.
I have a house in mind already that's not part of the Community Land Trust program. Can you still help me purchase a home?
Yes. Our homebuyer coaching program works with clients who are over-income or pursuing opportunities outside of Home, Inc.'s portfolio. The program is designed to help clients determine an affordable mortgage amount, learn information about the financial requirements to obtain a mortgage, what to expect as they go through the homebuyer process, learn about different mortgage options, and how to be a successful homeowner. In addition, we are certified to offer low-interest mortgages in-house through a USDA Rural Development loan program for qualifying applicants. Please contact us for more program details.
Do homeowners pay property taxes to support the Village and local schools?
Yes. Yellow Springs Home, Inc. homeowners pay their fair share of property taxes. The current affordable housing portfolio generates more than $70,000 in annual property tax revenue and contributes to the economic health of the community and local schools.
Are homeowners allowed to sell their homes?
Yes. Home, Inc. will work with you to sell your home to a qualified household when you are ready to sell. Sellers are typically able to forego hiring a Realtor.
Will a homeowner be forced to sell their home if their income goes up?
No. Income eligibility is determined at the time of purchase.
Will I be able to leave my home to my children?
Yes, unless there is a restriction tied to a specific funding source. The 99-year ground lease, which conveys ownership of the home, can be transferred to your heirs. Heirs include any children, or anyone living in the home for more than six months such as a domestic partner, regardless of their income.
What other area resources are out there?
Check out our "Homeowner Resources" page for a list of other area resources.
