Understanding the Affordable Buyer Process

Inital tasks

Please review the Opportunity Drawing Notification for specific deadlines AND instructions for the unit you are applying for. The information below is for the program in general.

  1. Watch the Introduction Videos on this page and the Mandatory Orientation Webinar. If one is not available, sign up for one under the Events tab. All applicants and co-applicants must complete this.

  2. All applicants and co-applicants must individually take the quiz with a passing score

  3. Carefully review the Application Guide and Program Restriction Documents (on this page)

  4. Contact a Loan Officer registered with Housekeys (3.10.23) and obtain a pre-approval. If you choose to go with your own lender, make sure they review:

  5. Feeling lost? Attend an FAQ Session. To register click HERE

  6. Register your Household’s Profile at https://www.myhousekeys.com/ to obtain an Application ID for the Program. Update your profiles BEFORE entering any drawing.

  7. All applicants and co-applicants must individually attend an online HUD approved First Time Home Buyer Education Class and provide a certificate of completion

  8. Organize your application file at home and keep it updated (PDF forms below)

  9. Review the Opportunity Drawing Notice (ODN). It contains important information such as property information, qualification and eligibility criteria, deadlines, file submission instructions and the File Request deadline. The ODN also serves as the official File Request.

  10. Use your Application ID to enter drawings at https://www.myhousekeys.com/

Note: This is a quick list and partial instructions; other requirements and processes apply.

introduction videos, orientation deck & Quiz

These 8 short videos will help you understand how affordable housing works, and key terminology. The Orientation Deck Slides explain the application process. After reviewing both the videos and slide deck(the slide deck is coming soon), take the Home Buyer Quiz. This should all be done before applying for any Ownership programs. Please check the “Online Forms” tab above to find the registration link for the next mandatory Ownership Orientation Webinar.

Disclaimer: HouseKeys Orientation ZOOM Webinars provide general information only and may be subject to change at any time without notice. HouseKeys Orientation ZOOM Webinars do not constitute financial advice. You should obtain independent advice before making any financial decisions. HouseKeys Inc. does not give any warranty or representation as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information. To the extent permitted by law, HouseKeys Inc. and its employees, shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising in any way (including by way of negligence) from or in connection with any information provided or omitted or from any one acting or refraining to act in reliance on this information.

MyHouseKeys

MyHouseKeys is our web-based software platform created to help you manage your program relationships, find housing opportunities, and navigate the application process. You start by registering your household profile.

profile Registration Process

When you click on the button to “Register Your Profile, you’ll begin with a quick sign up form that asks: Name, Number of Household Members, Total Household Income, and Zip Code. After you enter and confirm your email address, you will start a Registration Wizard that will have you complete a series of forms. You may want to set aside an hour to complete all of the online forms. These forms include:

  1. Admin Profile - this is the basic information and address for the primary applicant.

  2. Member Profiles - all other household members who will be occupying the housing unit

  3. Income Profile - you’ll identify the type of income that you earn, information about your employer, and your employment details

  4. Household Preference - this form details any special criteria that your household may meet that would allow you to receive preferential treatment among other applicants.

  5. Household Demographics - this is an optional form that allows us to track our Fair Housing statistics

At the end of the process, you’ll get to a page called the Household Overview. This page summarizes all of the information you entered and gives you a chance to review before finalizing.

Program Application & Checklist

Click the link below to access and download:

Application Exhibits

Application Exhibits are special documents that help provide further details about items that you provided while completing the Program Application and gathering items on the Application Checklist. Click on the links below to open the Exhibit documents.

Program Guides

Inclusionary Housing Program Buyer Selection Guidelines

As an applicant, you must complete the steps to create a household profile, obtain an Application I.D. and enter Drawings for the housing opportunity you want. Each housing opportunity is given an Opportunity ID. If you are chosen in the Drawing, then you will submit a full file to be processed and underwritten and the rules are outlined in this guide.

Ownership Participation Guide - Not available

Once you are a homeowner, you sign a__-year Restriction Agreement that details what you are allowed to do with the home. While the Restriction Agreement on this site is the latest version, there have been many different versions used over the past years. The Participation Guide walks through some of the rules on refinancing, re-selling the home, and transfers for inheritance. Please keep in mind that your signed Restriction Agreement is the governing document that ultimately determines what you’re allowed to do.Ownership Participation Guide - Not available

 

City of Alameda Affordable Ownership Information

HouseKeys

HouseKeys is an Affordable Housing Program Administrator who works alongside cities and builders to provide affordable housing opportunities to income-eligible households.