SPRING APPLICATION DEADLINE
Monday March 1, 2021
How to Apply
It is a multistep process to become a candidate, and begins with an online questionnaire-style application and fee ($30.00*). We accept applicants twice a year, and enrollment is very limited. All candidates must meet the basic participant requirements, and be registered for the free Homeownership Counseling Certificate program to be considered for an interview.
*Once you submit your Application, you be emailed a link for the 30.00 fee payment. The fee covers your official credit report.
Carefully review the 4 sections of this page before filling out the online Application. We expect complete and thoughtful answers on every question. Applications submitted without such attention to detail will not be considered.
Participant Requirements
Baltimore City resident
At least 20 years old
Be drug-free
Have a HS diploma or GED
a minimum credit score of 640
A minimum of $2500 for your down payment within 3 months of program start – we need keep the timeline as short as possible for you to be able to qualify for a loan AND finish the house that you will buy.
Be able to attend every weekday, Monday-Thursday from 9am – 5pm for 16 weeks + possible weekends if needed (advance notice will be given) caveat: try to be flexible as rebuilding a house takes time
Income level should be between 30% (to potentially qualify for the home loan) and 80% of Baltimore City AMI for a single person in order to access down payment assistance programs.
SPRING APPLICATION DEADLINE
Monday March 1, 2021
How to Apply
It is a multistep process to become a candidate, and begins with an online questionnaire-style application and fee ($30.00*). We accept applicants twice a year, and enrollment is very limited. All candidates must meet the basic participant requirements, and be registered for the free Homeownership Counseling Certificate program to be considered for an interview. Please note: once you submit your Application, you be emailed a link for the 30.00 fee payment. The fee covers your official credit report.
Carefully review the 4 sections of this page before filling out the online Application. We expect complete and thoughtful answers on every question. Applications submitted without such attention to detail will not be considered.
1 Participant Requirements
2 Homeownership Counseling
3 How to complete your Application
4 FAQ
Participant Requirements
Baltimore City resident
At least 20 years old
Be drug-free
Have a HS diploma or GED
Minimum credit score of 640
A minimum of $2500 for your down payment within 3 months of program start – we need keep the timeline as short as possible for you to be able to qualify for a loan AND finish the house that you will buy.
Be able to attend every weekday, Monday-Thursday from 9am – 5pm for 16 weeks + possible weekends if needed (advance notice will be given) caveat: try to be flexible as rebuilding a house takes time
Income level should be between 30% (to potentially qualify for the home loan) and 80% of Baltimore City AMI for a single person in order to access down payment assistance programs.
Homeownership Counseling Certificate
Homebuyer education is a key first step to ensure each potential participant can successfully purchase her home. It is a two-part process, and consists of a free 6 hour workshop component (offered 1x month), and an individual counseling appointment. Counselors can help you determine if you are ready for homeownership, review any credit issues that need to be addressed before applying for a mortgage, and assist with certain homebuying incentive applications. You can find class offerings at the Live Baltimore site
The Application is detailed, please gather/prepare the following resources.
note: you must complete the entire application in one sitting
Contact info + basic profile – name, address, phone number, email, birthdate, race/ethnicity marital status, number of minor children, education level, how long a Baltimore resident
Your current credit score see Section #2 for instructions
Current housing information – we will need to know if you currently rent or own, what your percentage of financial responsibility is, the amount, if you receive support – the amount and source
Employment status/information: we ask a series of questions for both employed and unemployed applicants. If employed, you will also be expected to provide your 2019 income totals and employment specifics
If unemployed, you will be expected to provide detailed accounting of your resources (both current and future), your financial plan for your down payment, and your mortgage payment strategy
Constructions skills: there are a series of questions related to skills – these are for people with and without current experience. This is not a screening parameter, but it is very helpful for us to understand what skill level you may have as a potential candidate
2 references with contact information (personal and professional)
The following questions are essay-style, you may find it easier to prepare these ahead of time in a text editor and then copy/paste into the application. We will only consider applications with complete and thoughtful answers.
Why are you applying?
What does community mean to you?
Are you currently active in your neighborhood or community? (broadly defined)
How would you like to see yourself fit in a community?
FAQ
How does this program work?
Once you are accepted we start building. The house will take between 4-6 months for complete rehab to purchase ready. Your training will be structured on specific tools/processes that fit the progress of the build. We will gather weekly for roundtable discussions focused on financial literacy and community engagement.
This structure is important as we want to keep the timeline as short as possible for you to be able to qualify for a loan AND finish the house that you will buy.
Do I need money to buy the house?
Yes, you will need to qualify for a home loan from one of our lending partners in order to buy the home. This process will covered in your Homebuyer Counseling Certificate
How much will I need?
A minimum of $2,500 for your down payment within 2 months of program start.
How long does it take to buy the house?
The house will take between 4-6 months for complete rehab to purchase ready. The purchase timeline starts mid-process.
How much is the house?
The house starts at $85,000.
How big is the house?
These first houses are two bedroom, one bath homes and are about 1000 square feet. Their will be larger 3-story homes in future builds.
A lot of people talk about ‘flipping houses’ is that what this is?
No, we believe in building community with whom you work and where you live. Therefore, you must stay in the house at least five years before you can sell it. We think you will love living next to and around those of us who have worked together to rebuild this block, and will want to stay even after the five years is up.
How do I get to be part of this project?
The steps for Applying for our program are below
1. fill out the questionnaire
2. pay the app 30.00 fee
3. enroll in the Homeownership Counseling Certificate class
4. Participate in the a Application review with Program Mgr
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide status updates for every individual who applies to the program and will only contact applicants selected for interviews. If you are not selected for an interview, please do not be discouraged. Admission as a participant to Black Women Build – Baltimore is very competitive and committing to a 16-weeks and career skills training program while balancing a lot of other demands on one’s life is a big consideration. Should you not be accepted, please apply again.
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