Ownership from move-in. Affordability that holds.
Shared equity is not a rental program with extra steps. You own your home from day one; the resale price stays tied to area median income, not the open market.
Three stages, no surprises
Income-based, not credit-score-based
Eligibility is determined by your household income relative to area median income — typically 30–80% AMI. We do not use credit score thresholds as a gate.
Title transfers at closing
On closing day, you receive title. Monthly payments cover principal, not rent. Equity accumulates in your name from that date forward — not after a waiting period.
Your equity is yours. The price stays tied to AMI.
When you sell, you keep the equity you built. The resale price is calculated against AMI, not market speculation, so the next resident enters at an affordable price too.
Built for people building stability
Income: 30–80% AMI
No minimum credit score
First-time ownership required
Household income is verified against your local area median. Part-time, gig, and variable income all count. We look at your full financial picture.
Credit history is reviewed, not used as a cutoff. People rebuilding after hardship, medical debt, or gaps in employment are eligible to apply.
Applicants must not currently own residential property. This program is reserved for those entering ownership for the first time or re-entering after loss.
Straight answers on structure
What does shared equity mean for resale?
Who holds the affordability controls?
When you sell, your equity — the principal you paid down plus any formula-based appreciation — is returned to you. The sale price is capped relative to AMI, not market value.
Mutual Chain Housing retains a ground lease or deed restriction that keeps resale prices within AMI-based limits in perpetuity. You own the home; we hold the affordability covenant.
Can I rent the home out?
What happens if I need to leave?
The home must remain your primary residence. Short-term or speculative subletting is not permitted. Owner-occupancy is a condition of the agreement.
You may sell at any time using the AMI-based formula. You receive your equity. The home returns to the program's inventory at an affordable price for the next resident.