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

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.

Gardner Wasa Street Project

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Winchendon Projects

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Rehabilitations

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New Opportunities for Homeownership in 2008!

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

558 River Street

562 River Street

Ashburnham
In September 2008, the CDC and Monty Tech will build a 3-bedroom, single-family home in Ashburnham. More details will be forthcoming.

To qualify for these houses, buyers must meet the following minimum qualifications:

	Household income not more than 80% of median income*
	First-Time Homebuyer Education certificate from the Greater Gardner CDC or from another approved service provider
	A pre-qualification letter from a traditional lending institution for at least the amount of GGCDC's asking price

It is never too early to begin preparing for homeownership. Whether you are interested in the next Greater Gardner CDC opportunity for affordable homeownership, you are buying in the near future, or you are only considering homeownership, take advantage of the GGCDC's First-Time Homebuyer Education program! (See above.)

*Income Qualification: To qualify for an affordable homeownership opportunity, a buyer's household income may not exceed 80% of median as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Renewal (HUD). In 2007 these limits are as follows:

Funding Sources
Private Funds: Bank of America Foundation, Citizens Financial Group, TD Banknorth Charitable Foundation, Greater Worcester Community Foundation, North Central CRA Coalition and Annual Appeal donations. Construction financing for individual housing projects: Athol Savings Bank, Colonial Co-operative Bank, Fitchburg Savings Bank, and GFA Federal Credit Union.

Public Funds: Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development through Community Development Block Grants administered by the City of Gardner and Town of Winchendon, through HOME funds for the Winchendon Affordable Housing Project 2004-05, and through a Community Service Block Grant in 2005.

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.