Homebuyer Initiated Program (HIP)

Geographic Scope: St. Paul and Suburban Ramsey County, Minnesota

Focus Areas: Affordable homeownership for income-qualified households purchasing single-family homes or duplexes

Program Overview

Rondo Community Land Trust's Homebuyer Initiated Program helps income-qualified households purchase and rehabilitate homes in St. Paul and Suburban Ramsey County. Designed for households earning at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), HIP provides financial assistance and ongoing support to make affordable homeownership possible, while ensuring homes remain stable, safe, and sustainable for the long term.

Eligibility Requirements

• Household income must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) at closing
• Property must be located in Ramsey County
• Property must be a single-family home or duplex
• Buyers must work with one of Rondo CLT's approved mortgage lenders

Financial Assistance Provided

• Affordability Investment Grant - Paired with your mortgage to increase purchasing power and reduce upfront costs
• Rehabilitation Grant - Covers essential repairs and improvements to ensure structural and mechanical integrity

Program Benefits

• Expands access to affordable homeownership in St. Paul
• Increases buying power through grant support
• Covers critical repairs to protect investment
• Provides expert guidance throughout the process
• Supports long-term stability and generational wealth building
• Prevents displacement and strengthens community wealth

Contact Information

Address: 1041 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104

How to Apply

1. Attend an Orientation Session - Prospective buyers must complete a required Rondo CLT orientation to understand the land trust model and program requirements
2. Submit Program Application - Complete the program application form
3. Complete Pre-Purchase Homebuyer Education - Enroll in required homebuyer education program
4. Meet Eligibility Requirements - Verify income qualification and other requirements
5. Program Enrollment - Upon approval, you are enrolled in the program and eligible for HIP benefits
6. Find a Home - Work with a real estate agent of your choice to identify eligible homes with Rondo CLT guidance throughout home search, contract negotiation, and closing process
7. Receive Financial Assistance - Access Affordability Investment Grant and Rehabilitation Grant
8. Rehabilitation & Improvements - Rondo CLT works with you to create scope of work and coordinate necessary repairs and deferred maintenance
9. Ongoing Support - Team remains connected after closing to provide continued guidance and ensure long-term stability

Approved Lenders

Buyers must work with one of Rondo CLT's approved mortgage lenders (list provided on website)