Community Land Trust Program
Affordable, Lasting Homeownership in Itasca County
The Community Land Trust Program of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Itasca County puts long-term homeownership within reach for working households by building high-quality homes.
Is This Program Right for You?
You may be a strong fit if all of the following are true:
- Your household income is at or below $93,600
- You can qualify for a mortgage with a participating lender
- You will live in the home as your primary residence
- You live or work in Itasca County
- Preference is given to county residents and those whose employment is based within Itasca County
- You are looking for stable, long-term housing rather than short-term resale gains
How a Land Trust Home Works
A Community Land Trust separates the home from the land. You hold a deed to the home and pay a mortgage on it just as any homeowner would. You own and control your home as other homeowners do. One Roof retains the land and leases it to you long-term for a nominal fee. A Land Trust is not a homeowner’s association.
In exchange for the lower entry cost, when you decide to sell, a resale formula in your land lease keeps the home affordable for the next income-qualified household. You build equity and earn a fair return on the years you have owned. The home stays in the trust, and the affordability is passed forward.
This is shared-equity homeownership. It is a strong fit for buyers who want stability, predictable housing costs, and a chance at ownership they may not otherwise have.
Available Homes
We expect to have two 2-bedroom and two 3-bedroom homes available for sale in early to late June 2026. Apply now and get prepared to ensure you do not miss out.
When the HRA has a home ready for purchase, it is listed on the Multiple Listing Service. From the listing date, the Initial Application Period runs for 14 days.
If homes are available after the Initial Application Period, they are then offered on a first-complete-application basis to the next fully qualified buyer.
How to Apply
Step 1 — Submit the Land Trust Program Application
Complete the online application through One Roof Community Housing:
Step 2 — Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Obtain a mortgage pre-approval from a participating lender . Once you have your pre-approval letter, please have your Loan Officer send it to HRA staff at isaac@itascacountyhra.org .
Education and Orientation
1. Homestretch Homebuyer Education: An eight-hour homebuyer education course is required before loan closing.
Complete through One Roof Community Housing , KOOTASCA Community Action , or Framework.
2. Community Land Trust Program Orientation: A remote session run by One Roof Community Housing covering the land lease, homeowner responsibilities, resale process, and program specifics.
One-on-one counseling with One Roof staff is also available.
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
For complete answers, see One Roof’s Land Trust FAQs .
Do I really own the home?
Yes. You hold a deed to the home, pay property taxes on it, and live in it as long as you wish.
Can I rent the home out?
No. The program requires owner-occupancy. The home must be your primary residence.
No homes are listed right now — what should I do?
Complete the land trust application , pursue financing, and gather your documents in advance so you are ready when homes become available.
Who to Contact
Scarlet Bennett
Homeownership Program Specialist — Itasca County HRA
218-542-6656 ·
scarlet@itascacountyhra.org
Isaac Meyer
Special Projects Program Director — Itasca County HRA
218-360-5561 ·
isaac@itascacountyhra.org
Brooke Tapp
Stewardship Coordinator — One Roof Community Housing
218-235-3311 ·
btapp@1roofhousing.org
