Applications to the homeownership component of the Massachusetts Home of Your Own Program will be evaluated for the following criteria:

1. Motivation

Ä individual must express desire for homeownership

Ä individual has attempted and/or planned some form of independent living

Ä individual has explored the option of homeownership and its challenges

Ä homeownership meets a major need for person with a disability

Ä application to the Home of Your Own Program represents a conscious choice on the part of the individual with a disability.

2. Applicant must have a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

3. Individual who is disabled must be 18 years of age by date of application.

4. Applicant must demonstrate willingness and ability to live independently.

5. Applicant must have a plan in place to receive support, if needed.

6. Applicant must demonstrate willingness to participate in all aspects of the Home of Your Own Program including:

Ä receiving pre- and post-purchase homeownership education

Ä sharing personal and financial information with the selection committee, homebuyer counseling agency, lenders, and others as necessary.

7. Applicant must have a credit history that is good, becoming established, or improving.

8. Applicant must have at least four months savings account history.

9. There can be a maximum of two owners per home, or applicants must be able to demonstrate an established relationship that will benefit all owners.

10. Applicant must have access to down payment funds.

11. There is a limited amount of down payment assistance available through the Massachusetts Home of Your Own Program. However, to apply for this assistance, an applicant's income must be:

Ä below 50% of the area median income. For example, an individual who wants to purchase a home in the Boston area cannot earn more than $19,800 per year. This amount is less in most areas of the state

Ä sufficient to meet a mortgage payment. This amount will depend on the price of the home to be purchased.

12. Applicant must presently live in Massachusetts and purchase a home in Massachusetts.

13. Preference will be given to applicants who will be first-time homebuyers.