Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Clackamas Community Land Trust?
CCLT is a nonprofit, membership-based organization with the mission to create homeownership opportunities that are permanently affordable to low and moderate-income people now and for generations to come.

The membership is made up of homeowners, people working toward homeownership and others from around Clackamas County who support the work of CCLT. Each year, the members gather at the annual meeting to discuss housing issues and elect the board of directors. This structure ensures that CCLT homeowners and community members have input into the organization.

CCLT promotes responsible stewardship and community control by retaining ownership of land designated for affordable homeownership. By holding the land in trust, CCLT ensures that a supply of homes remains affordable for future generations. This approach is designed to help working families achieve the dream of owning a home, now and in years to come.

We would love to have you as a member, so call us for more information.

How does the Land Lease work?
The Land Lease Agreement is a legal document that is designed to protect the rights and interests of all parties involved in the purchase of the house.* Some of the key points are:

• A resale formula that keeps the house affordable for future buyers
• Provision for full rights to use the land
• Payment of a land lease fee of $39 per month
• Owner must occupy the home as their primary residence

*Before purchasing a CCLT home, you are required to review the Land Lease with a lawyer.

What is Permanently Affordable Housing?
The term "permanently affordable housing" means housing that is affordable to each buyer in the future, not just the first buyer.

It is important to maintain affordable housing in all communities. In Clackamas County, house and land costs are rising much more rapidly than wages. Homeownership has become out of reach for many working people. CCLT is working to bridge the gap between wages and home prices.

It takes significant public resources to create affordable housing, so it makes sense to ensure that the community's investment is protected over the long term.

CCLT maintains permanent affordability through the land trust model of homeownership. CCLT holds the land in "trust", or community ownership. This permanently removes the cost of the land from all future transactions involving that property. The land is then leased to the homeowner in a renewable 99-year lease that provides them with the right to full use of the land.

Who Can Buy a CCLT Home?
Anyone who is income-qualified, able to get a mortgage loan and wants to live in Clackamas County can purchase a CCLT home.

CCLT staff will work with you to establish a homeownership plan. The plan is based on each individual's income, credit history and saving ability.

The chart below shows the maximum qualifying income (before taxes) based on family size.

Maximum Allowed Income
Household Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8	Maximum $39,200 $44,800 $50,400 $56,000 $60,500 $64,950 $69,450 $73,900

Where Are These Homes?
CCLT has developed and sold homes to buyers with lower incomes throughout the urban area of north Clackamas County. CCLT has created two small subdivisions in the Milwaukie area, and developed homes in existing neighborhoods. Plans are underway to purchase more existing homes around north Clackamas County and to create a third small subdivision, this one in Oregon City.

Benefits of Owning Your Own Home
People who live in CCLT homes have full rights to the use of the land and receive the traditional benefits of homeownership, including:

• Tax deductions
• Control over you own housing
• Stability of housing costs
• The opportunity to build up equity
• A legacy that you can pass on to your family and future generations

Steps to CCLT Homeownership

Attend a CCLT Information Meeting-Come learn how the land trust works. This free overview of CCLT is held twice monthly. Just call the CCLT office for the next meeting.

Become a CCLT Member-All potential homeowners become members of CCLT to help direct the organization in its work. Membership is a benefit to all CCLT homeowners.

Homebuyer Education Workshop-Learn to navigate through the complex process of buying a home. This class is required by many mortgage lenders and CCLT.

Financial Preparation-Meet with the CCLT staff to verify income, pull your credit report and receive help with credit issues. This step prepares you for getting a mortgage from on of our partner banks.

Buy a CCLT house!-You have a home that is affordable now and for generations to come!