Step 1 — Submit the Land Trust Program Application
Complete the online application through One Roof Community Housing: Land Trust Program Application
This application captures your household information, residency, and basic eligibility information.
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 Office send it to HRA staff at isaac@itascacountyhra.org.
Step 3 — Submit Income Verification Documents to the HRA
Income documentation is required for yourself, anyone who will be on title or sign the mortgage, any non-occupant co-signer, and your legal spouse.
Submit the following:
- Most recent federal income tax return (two most recent years if self-employed)
- Most recent W-2
- Last three months of pay stubs
- Last three months of bank statements for all accounts
- Documentation of any other income — Social Security, SSDI, child support, unemployment, public assistance, workers' compensation, insurance benefits
If you have liquid or real-estate assets over $50,000 (excluding retirement), let us know — our Asset Limitation Policy may apply. If you receive income from financial assets, rental or investment property, or regular cash contributions, please include a brief explanation; staff will follow up with any additional documentation needed and to perform additional screening.
How to submit: Email to isaac@itascacountyhra.org, fax to 218-326-8031, or deliver/mail to 1115 NW 4th Street, Grand Rapids, MN 55744.
When Your Application Is Complete
Your application is considered complete only when all three parts — the One Roof application, your mortgage pre-approval letter, and your income verification documents — have been received by the HRA. Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
Education and Orientation
Two separate education steps are required before closing. Plan for both early.
1. Homestretch Homebuyer Education An eight-hour homebuyer education course covering financing, the buying process, and ownership responsibilities. You may complete it through One Roof Community Housing, KOOTASCA Community Action, or Framework. A Certificate of Completion is required before loan closing.
2. Community Land Trust Program Orientation A remote session run by One Roof Community Housing that covers the land lease, your rights and responsibilities as a CLT homeowner, the resale process, and the program's specifics. Required before closing. One-on-one counseling with One Roof staff is also available and often helps buyers think through affordability and financing options.
