Frequently Asked Questions

No it is not a scam.  Our housing market has become so expensive that middle class people can no longer afford to buy a home. This creates a divide between the haves and the haves not which isn't healthy for the community. A Hand Up Home is a shared ownership model where qualified folks can start generating wealth and have long term stable housing. We know this is non-traditional but there has to be other ways for qualified people to get started in home ownership.  A Hand Up Home is such a program.  It isnt for everyone but it may be for you.

Nope.  At closing you will be added to the property title and earn equity from day one.

 Susan and Jodi have benefited from owning real estate.  We've experienced the stability that  home ownership brings to our family's.  We've watched the escalating rents and seen the inventory for starter homes disappear pricing all but the most wealthy from the market.  We offer a shared home ownership program with a buy out structure and education to help determined, forward thinking folks get a foot hold into owning real estate and move away from the uncertainty of long term renting.

We get this question a lot.  You do still need to qualify for a mortgage. Many hard working professionals make enough to qualify for a home  loan. The difference with A Hand Up Home is that you don't need to qualify for the entire appraised home value because your partner (A Hand Up Home) owns the home already and will remain part owner with you for the length of the partnership.  This allows you to get a foot hold into ownership with the option to eventually buy us out 

Its a bit like dating!!  We get to know each other to build understanding and trust as we are forming a partnership. You go to lender to get pre-approved.  We review the responsibilities and expectations of  co-ownership.  We review the cost and income sharing.  You apply for loan and once approved we sign the contract, and you move in and the journey begins.

First step: You call or email us and we talk.  This isn't a traditional home ownership model so the first step is to get to know each other to determine if this is a potential fit for you and for us!  Maybe you would actually qualify to buy a home on your own.  In this case we can point you in that direction.   Perhaps you aren't quite yet in a position to purchase with A Hand Up Home.  If that's the case can suggest other options for you. 

To qualify you do need two years of steady employment and a strong credit score as a baseline.

There is no cost to check out A Hand Up Home and see if it is right for you.

We focus on starter homes ideally with ADU's .  That said, if you have a property in mind and want to know if AHUH is interested in co-owning it please hit us up!!

Great question!  Because of the unique nature of our program we have selected, vetted and established lenders who approve all A Hand Up Home applicants!

ADU or Accessory Dwelling Units, are self-contained residential units located on the same property as the existing single family home. Smaller than the main home, ADU's are great short- or long-term rental units .

No!!  Once you own with A Hand Up Home, we become partners and share in the payment for most monthly bills pertaining to the care and maintenance of the home.

Property tax responsibilities mirror the ownership percentage of the home.  For example, if you own 50% of the home and A Hand Up Home owns 50% of the home we share the tax burden equally.

This is a super important part, isnt it?  Having that mindset at the start of owning with A Hand Up Home is just what we like to hear and the answer depends a lot on you!  Are you looking at ways to pay down your mortgage?  Are you maximizing the income on the property?  Perhaps you are looking for opportunities to earn more income from your employer.  There are many possible paths to get to the finish line as soon as possible. We review the financials together to chart the course towards buy out from the start.  Typically it is a 5-8 year process.

With A Hand Up Home, we own the properties and are selling to you, the buyer, a percentage of the home allowing us to become co-owners. With traditional home ownership you can only buy 100%...there is nothing in between. AHUH recognizes that many would be home buyers are scared off by escalating prices of modest homes.  We offer a middle, non traditional, route to help what is now known as the 'missing middle' income bracket for people in our communities.  You make too much for social programs and can afford the payments for the median priced home but just need a hand up to get started.