First-Time Homebuyers/Affordable Housing Program
The Greater Gardner CDC's First-Time Homebuyer/Affordable Housing Program assists first-time homebuyers by offering a comprehensive educational program and by providing homeownership opportunities for qualified residents through housing rehabilitation and new construction projects.

First-Time Homebuyer Education
Homebuyer counseling, workshops, and a first-time homebuyer course, certified through the Massachusetts Homeownership Collaborative, assist families in achieving their dream of homeownership.

Our services are open to everyone regardless of income level. If you are thinking of becoming a homeowner, call us at 978-630-2975. Our Homebuyer Counselor can assess where you are in the process of achieving your goal and help you address any obstacles that may stand in the way.

First-Time Homebuyer Course
Participants receive a certificate stating they have completed an 8-hour course for first-time homebuyers. Lenders require this certificate for some mortgage products. Whether or not you need first-time homebuyer education certification, taking this course is a wise first step as you consider buying a house. You will learn whether or not you are prepared for homeownership, and if you are not, how to get into position to qualify for a mortgage and handle the responsibility of homeownership. Topics covered during the course include the following:

	Readiness for homeownership (advantages/disadvantages)
	Steps to homeownership
	Special programs and assistance for first-time homebuyers
	Managing your money (budgeting)
	Understanding credit
	Members of the homebuying team(building relationships)
	Getting a mortgage loan
	Completing the purchase process
	Keeping your home and managing your finances

Download our current First Time Homebuyer Class Schedule.

Housing Resource Center
The Greater Gardner Housing Resource Center is a user-friendly place where residents can find information about services and programs available to meet housing needs in Gardner, Winchendon and nearby communities. The Center offers a variety of flyers, brochures, and other hand-outs. Someone is always available to assist an inquirer.

Please call or email us to find out when our next First-Time Homebuyer Course begins.

Since 2001 the Greater Gardner CDC has been offering qualified area residents an opportunity to afford a home of their own through the organization's "Homeownership Opportunities" program. Past projects have included three housing rehabilitations and six single-family homes and a two-unit condominium built by Monty Tech.

• Ranch Style Duplex Condominium Homes located on Dead-End Street
  
• Each Unit must be Owner-Occupied
  
• Each unit consists of: 6 Rooms 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths
  
• Approx. 1,500 Sq. Ft.
  
• Open Concept Living
  
• Fully-Applianced Kitchen
  
• Solid Surface Countertops
  
• Hardwood Floors
  
• Ceramic Tile Kitchen, Baths and Laundry Room
  
• First Floor Laundry Room
  
• Front Porch
  
• 12 ft x 12 ft Rear Patio
  
• Full Basement
  
• Unfinished Oversized One Car Garage
  
• Air Exchange System
  
• 200 Amp Electric Service
  
• City Water and Sewer
  
• Approximately 28,000 Square Foot
  
• Lot Landscaped

This home offers 1,680 s.f. of living space, designed with family and entertaining in mind.  The first floor with its spacious living room, dining area and island kitchen offers an open concept living style conducive to a modern lifestyle.  Custom cherry cabinets with matching pantry units afford ample storage space for the home chef.  The home has been situated on the lot to maximize outdoor living in the rear yard.  With large sliders opening to the oversized deck your family will enjoy the overall experiences of outdoor barbeques, gardening and a play yard for the children.  This energy-efficient, custom designed home is situated on a 6,250 square foot lot serviced by public water and sewer.  This home is currently under construction and will be available for late June occupancy and will be marketed to potential buyers who qualify as a first time homebuyer and will be income restricted.

It has the following construction and interior details:

Home Size: 1,680 square feet
Levels: 2 levels
Basement: Full, poured concrete
Services: City Water and Sewer
Electric: 200 Amps

Exterior Features:
Full width front porch
18’ x 12’ rear deck
Vinyl Siding
Front and rear exterior Lighting
Off Street Parking

Interior Features:
Heating Specs: Oil Heat, Forced Hot Water Baseboard
Interior Air Quality: Complete Home Air Exchange System
Kitchen Cabinetry: Cherry Cabinets with Solid Surface Countertops
Pantry Cabinets to match Kitchen Cabinets
Bathrooms: Each with Cherry Vanities with solid surface countertops
Stairway: Oak stair treads and risers

Flooring:
Stairway – Carpeted
Master Bedroom – Carpeted
Walk-in Closet – Carpeted
Second Bedroom – Carpeted
Third Bedroom – Carpeted

Room Specs:
FIRST FLOOR
Living Room: Hardwood, 20' x 18'
Dining Area: Hardwood, 9' x 14'
Kitchen: Hardwood, 11' x 17'
Half Bath with Laundry Hookups, Ceramic Tile, 7' x 8'

SECOND FLOOR
Master Bedroom Suite: Hardwood, 12' x 17'
Master Bath: 8' x 8’6”
Walk in closet: Hardwood, 8' x 6'
Second Bedroom: Hardwood, 10' x 15'
Closet: Hardwood, 8' x 2’ 6”
Third Bedroom: Hardwood, 10' x 14'
Closet Hardwood: 4' x 2’6”
Second Full Bath: Ceramic Tile, 8' x 8’6”

For more information & applications, call the Greater Gardner CDC 978-630-2975.

*The definition of “First Time Homebuyer” includes, but is not limited to, anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years, or is a displaced homemaker, or households with at least one member 55 years or older. Call us for more detailed information.

Applicants will be qualified regardless of race, creed, color, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law. Potential buyers must not exceed $71,500 annual income, complete a Buyer Application Package, complete a Certified First Time Homebuyer Education class and qualify for a traditional fixed rate mortgage. Home to be sold on a First come, first served basis. Translation services and reasonable accommodations for disabled persons upon request.

Built with pride by the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School.

Gardner Wasa Street Project

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Templeton Projects View Larger Photo Winchendon Projects

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Rehabilitations

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Gardner
The Greater Gardner CDC partnered once again with Monty Tech to build a 3-bedroom single-family home in Gardner, which was completed in June 2008.

41 Clairmont Street

Winchendon
The GGCDC recently completed two modular homes in Winchendon in June 2008. These well-built homes have three bedrooms and two baths. During the second half of 2008, the CDC anticipates building another single-family home in Winchendon. More details will be forthcoming.

Modular homes on River Street

562 River Street

558 River Street

Housing Committee
Dick Williams, Chair, Dave Curran, Glenn Eaton, Mark Goldstein, Shaun Grimley, Dan Keeney, Sue Monette, Bob Taylor, Gerry White.

Contact Douglas Pochini for more information.