How to Apply for a BIHCLT home

All application materials must be submitted online through our application portal. Access to the portal is provided after you attend a CLT Orientation, where you will receive the login link.

To help move the process along, we recommend completing the other required steps in advance so you are ready to upload your materials once you receive portal access.

Please note: Purchase agreements for CLT homes are offered in the order that complete and qualified applications are received.

1. Attend an Orientation

The BIHCLT offers our orientations through Microsoft Teams. See the Orientation Calendar below to register.

Register

2. Attend a Homebuyer Education Workshop

All potential homebuyers are required to complete one of the following Homebuyer Education courses and provide the BIHCLT with a certificate of completion, to be uploaded in the application portal.

Freddie Mac CreditSmart® Homebuyer U

HomeView Homebuyer Education | Fannie Mae

The University of Arkansas also offers free, in-person Freddie Mac Credit Smart Courses on a rotating schedule.

Freddie Mac CreditSmart Essentials | Professional and Workforce Development | University of Arkansas

3. Obtain a pre-qualification letter from a Loan Officer/Lender

Interested buyers must be able to qualify for a 30-year conventional mortgage with a CLT-compatible mortgage partner.

The BIHCLT is currently unable to work with FHA, VA, or Sharia financing. Please note: Not all lenders currently work with Community Land Trusts. As this is an early-stage program, CLTs are still being introduced to the lending community. If you need a referral to a lender, contact sophie@webringithome.org.

4. Submit an Application

Full Applications are available for download here. To gain access to the portal, please attend a BIHCLT Orientation where you will receive access to a log-in link.

To prepare, you will need to provide:

  • 8 most recent paystubs

  • 2 most recent federal tax returns (forms 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ and all subsequent schedules)

  • 6 months of statements for all bank accounts

  • $20 application fee (per household).