Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is based on income and asset limits. Income limits are based on household size and can be found here. The household income must be below the posted limited. Assets are capped at $150,000.
Eligible applicants must be a First-time Homebuyer.
Please note that households that require one-bedroom are not eligible for the lottery as these homes are intended for larger households.
What types of units are available?
All of the units are 3- and 4-bedrooms. One of the units is wheelchair accessible.
Can I apply for any bedroom size?
For all units, the applicant’s household size will be determined from the application and the required number of bedrooms as indicated on the application. Within each lottery pool, priority shall be given to households requiring at least the number of bedrooms for that unit. For this development, eligible households must require at least the total number of bedrooms in the unit minus one to be eligible for the lottery. For example, to be eligible for a three-bedroom home, the household must require at least two bedrooms. And to be eligible for a four-bedroom home, the household must require at least three bedrooms. Households that require one-bedroom are not eligible for the lottery.
How do I apply?
Applications can be submitted on-line here. You can also print a copy of the application (found in the Documents section) and mail it in or hand-deliver it to: Holyoke Housing Authority, 475 Maple Street, Holyoke, MA 01040
What if I need help with my application?
Please contact the Holyoke Housing Authority at 413-539-2250. Assistance is available in English and Spanish.
Is there a local preference?
Yes, there is a local preference for this project which is defined as:
Current Holyoke residents
Families with children enrolled in the City of Holyoke’s schools
Holyoke municipal employees or school system employees; or
Household member employed in the City of Holyoke.
How does the application process work?
All interested households should submit an application by July 11th. Applications can be submitted on-line or a paper copy can be mailed or hand-delivered to the Holyoke Housing Authority’s offices at 475 Maple Street in Holyoke.
All applicants will be screened for eligibility. Applicants who have been deemed ineligible will be notified in writing of the decision and given time to contact the lottery agent in writing to disagree with the determination. A final lottery eligibility letter will be mailed to each applicant indicating their final eligibility determination, preferences, income tier and the lottery specifics.
On August 6th, all of the completed and eligible applications will be randomized via lottery. HHA staff will review applications based on the lottery list and contact the winners for more information.
Once a household has been confirmed for eligibility, they will be offered a unit and a closing process with begin.
What if I apply after July 11th?
Applicants must submit all the necessary information by the application deadline. Late applications (applications mailed and/or received after the above date) and applications that are incomplete will not be accepted. No faxed or emailed applications will be accepted.
How does a lottery work?
The lottery numbers will be pulled randomly by an independent third-party over Zoom. Lottery numbers will be assigned a number in the sequence in which they are drawn and recorded in the order of selection on the Lottery Drawing Lists. There will be two lottery pools created, a general pool and a local pool for the local preference. The list of numbers drawn will be posted and letters will be mailed within three business days to the winners.
How are units awarded?
The ADA unit will be awarded first. The top ranked general household with a member documenting the need of the design features of the ADA accessible unit, will be offered the opportunity to purchase that specific unit ahead of a household where no member of the household needs the ADA design feature.
Then, for both the local and general pool, by income tier, the four-bedroom units are awarded first based on bedroom size, followed by the three bedroom units. The top ranked household needing at least four bedrooms will be offered the opportunity to purchase the unit. The household size preference shall be given to households based on the following criteria.
There is at least one occupant per bedroom.
A husband and wife, or those in a similar living arrangement, shall be required to share a bedroom.
Other household members may share but shall not be required to share a bedroom.
Maximum occupancy standards will be set by state law.
What if I am selected in the lottery?
If you are selected, a representative from the Holyoke Housing Authority will contact you to complete a final eligibility check. You will need to provide requested information in a timely manner.
A SORI check will be done prior to signing a P&S, and verification that the homebuyer homeownership counseling program with a HUD-certified counseling agency has been completed. Applicants will put $500 down at P&S which will be applied to the overall purchase amount. In all cases, final income and assets will be verified to ensure the buyer’s verified income meets the eligibility income limits within 60 days of purchase. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have an attorney represent them through the P&S process. It is most cost-effective to use the closing attorney, who will also be approved by the mortgage bank.
What if I decide I don’t want to buy the unit?
In the event that any of the applicants withdraw for any reason, or do not comply with guidelines, the next qualified applicant in the lottery pool ranked by bedroom size need, will be offered the unit. If any applicant is offered a unit and opts not to proceed, they will be moved to the bottom of the list, unless there are extenuating circumstances related to hardship.
When do I move in?
We anticipate that the first homebuyer will move in late September or early October and move-in’s will continue until all units are sold.
Do I need a realtor?
A realtor is not necessary for this process.
What if I want to move after I buy my house? What is included in the deed restrictions?
For the first 15 years after you buy the home, for so long as you own it:
This home will need to be your primary residence and you may not be allowed to rent it out
You will only be able to sell this home to another income eligible first-time homebuyer and only for a limited sale price, but you may transfer it to certain close family members
There will be restrictions on refinancing and second mortgages
And for the next 15 years, for so long you own this home:
This home will still need to be your primary residence (or the primary residence of a close family member) and you still may not be allowed to rent it out
There will still be restrictions on refinancing and second mortgages
You will be able to sell this home to anyone, but you may need to pay some of the amount you receive from a sale to MassHousing
After 30 years, all of the restrictions in the deed riders will expire. If you or a close family member still own this home, you will then be able to sell, rent and refinance without any restriction or making any shared appreciation payment to MassHousing.