Homebuyer education and mortgage readiness are two of the first steps in becoming a homeowner in Here to Stay. Each of our fantastic partners offers pre- and post- purchase counseling and homebuyer education classes required for certain down payment assistance programs. Whatever your schedule, you can find a class here! Programs are offered through:

• Center for Changing Lives, 

• LUCHA

• Spanish Coalition for Housing.

1)    What is a community land trust?

A community land trust (CLT) is a form of ownership in which the land of a property is held in a trust owned by a community-led nonprofit organization. The property is permanently removed from the market.

2)  What does it mean to buy a home through the Here to Stay CLT?

A home buyer buys the building (home) and leases the land underneath from Here to Stay. Because the buyer is only buying the building, not the land, Here to Stay is able to reduce the cost of the home.  Buyers must sign a ground lease that is recorded with the deed, with Cook County.

3)      What are the advantages of buying a home in Here to Stay CLT?

A. Purchase price is lower than the market. 

B. Lower property taxes, they are assessed at the affordable price, not the current market value. 

4)     If the home is mine, will I be able to do anything I want with it?

Differences are laid out in the ground lease that is signed at closing. You cannot refinance the property without permission from Here to Stay. If you decide to sell, there are restrictions on who you can sell to. You will be selling the property at a price that will keep it affordable for the next buyer.

5)    If I am buying a two-flat, are there any restrictions on the rent I can charge?

Our hope is that you would be able to offer the unit at an affordable rent. However, this is not required nor monitored by Here to Stay.

6)    To learn more sign up for an infomation session.