Questions families ask us

A Community Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that creates lasting affordable homeownership. JCLT owns the land and sells the home to an income-qualified buyer. The land is leased to the homeowner through a long-term ground lease, helping keep the home affordable now and for future buyers.

Yes. You purchase and own the home. Like other homeowners, you are responsible for your mortgage, property taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs. JCLT continues to own the land beneath the home.

JCLT owns the land and leases it to the homeowner. Keeping the land in the trust is one of the tools that helps preserve the home's affordability for generations.

The ground lease is for 99 years and includes a second 99-year renewable term. It is designed to provide long-term stability and security for the homeowner while protecting the home's permanent affordability.

The monthly ground lease fee is $30.

Yes. A JCLT homeowner may refinance when the proposed refinancing meets the requirements of the ground lease and receives any applicable approvals. JCLT will help the homeowner understand the process and required documentation.

A homeowner may leave the home to an immediate family member as permitted by the ground lease and subject to JCLT Board requirements. JCLT will work with the family to explain the requirements and next steps.

No. JCLT homes must be occupied by the homeowner and may never be used as rental property. Renting is not permitted under any circumstances, including renting the home to an immediate family member. If you are ready to move, JCLT will support you through the resale process and help connect the home with the next qualified buyer.

Contact JCLT before listing or agreeing to sell the home. JCLT will guide you through the required resale steps, help determine the resale price under the ground lease and program documents, and assist with identifying the next qualified purchaser.

You build equity as you pay down your mortgage, and you receive a share of the home's appreciation when you sell. The rest of the appreciation stays with the home, which is what keeps it affordable for the next family. The exact terms are set out in your ground lease and program documents, and a member of the JCLT team walks you through them in person before you buy, so there are no surprises at resale.

Applicants must meet the requirements for the specific home and funding program. In general, buyers must have household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income, must not have owned a home during the previous three years, must obtain mortgage pre-approval, and must complete an approved eight-hour HUD homebuyer education course. Additional requirements may apply to a particular property or funding source.

Down payment assistance and other homebuyer support programs may be available. JCLT works with buyers to identify and pursue as many available down payment and closing cost assistance options as possible.

Assistance programs, funding availability, eligibility requirements, award amounts and program terms are subject to change. Assistance is not guaranteed and is subject to the requirements of each applicable program.

Begin by contacting JCLT or completing the website inquiry form. The JCLT team will explain current home opportunities, basic eligibility requirements and the next steps for mortgage pre-approval, homebuyer education and application review. Submitting an inquiry does not guarantee approval or the availability of a home.