Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Community Land Trust?

A Community Land Trust (CLT) is a nonprofit that owns land and helps create permanently affordable homes for people in our community. With a CLT, your home sits on land leased from the trust — which keeps costs lower — while you own your home itself. This model helps make homeownership possible for families who might otherwise be priced out of the traditional market.

The heart of this organization is the creation of homes that are permanently affordable, providing sustainable homeownership opportunities for generations of individuals and families whose housing needs are not met by the traditional market.

How do I buy for a Common Roots home?

Visit our Homebuyers page and fill out our eligibility survey — it’s short and helps us understand your household and goals. Once we receive your information, we’ll follow up and guide you through next steps as opportunities become available.

Why does our region need more affordable homes?

Our region has seen home prices and rents grow faster than many incomes. Housing supply hasn’t kept up, families are often priced out, and employers struggle to retain workers who can’t afford to live nearby. Creating more affordable homeownership options helps strengthen families and the community.

Why a community land trust? What makes CLT homeownership special?

A CLT helps create stable, long-term affordable homeownership. Homes stay affordable for future buyers, residents build equity and pride of ownership, and families can stay rooted in the community. Because the CLT includes residents and local voices in governance, the model reflects community priorities.

What does “affordable” mean?

In our work, a home is “affordable” when housing costs are no more than about one-third of a household’s pre-tax income. Common Roots homes are priced for low- and moderate-income households, so monthly costs stay within reach.

Where does the funding come from the support Common Roots?

We’re funded through a mix of public grants and private support — donations from individuals and foundations, grants, and other investments. Over time, revenue from lease fees helps us sustain our work.

How does a community land trust acquire land?

We add land to our trust in different ways: through gifts or transfers from government or partners, donations from private supporters, and direct purchases using funding that supports our mission.

Who can apply to buy a Common Roots home?

We’re focused on households that live or work in our region and who cannot afford a market-rate home on their own. For us, that means they make 80% or less of the Area Median Income. Applicants must also meet basic homebuyer qualifications — like the ability to secure a loan — but we’ll help guide you through readiness resources.

Will Common Roots homes all be newly built?

Not necessarily. We plan to build new homes and purchase and renovate existing homes that can be brought into the trust. In some cases, we may help existing homeowners lower their housing costs by acquiring the land beneath their home.

Will all the homes look the same?

No — we want homes that fit the character of our communities. That means different sizes, layouts, and styles that feel like a natural part of the neighborhood.

Who makes decisions at Common Roots?

Common Roots is a community-led organization, and decisions are shared across several roles.

Our Board of Directors provides governance and long-term direction. The board includes representatives from the public, the broader community, and current or future CLT residents — ensuring that decisions reflect community needs and values.

Our staff handles the day-to-day work of the organization, including program coordination, partnerships, outreach, and supporting homebuyers and homeowners.

Our members also play an important role. Members help guide the organization by voting in board elections, participating in annual meetings, and shaping priorities as Common Roots grows.

Together, the board, staff, and members work collaboratively to steward land, create affordable homes, and keep Common Roots accountable to the community it serves.

Can a Common Roots homeowner sell their home?

Yes. A Common Roots homeowner can sell their home when they’re ready.

When a home is sold, it is purchased by another income-qualified buyer, ensuring the home remains affordable for future households. The resale price is set using a clear formula that allows the homeowner to build limited equity while keeping the home permanently affordable.

This approach balances two important goals: supporting wealth-building for homeowners and protecting long-term affordability for the community. It’s how Common Roots helps ensure that each home remains an affordable opportunity — not just once, but for generations to come.

Is Common Roots only for homebuyers? What about rentals?

Our main focus is helping people buy homes they couldn’t afford otherwise. We may offer rental options in the future if community needs are high, but our priority is permanent, affordable homeownership.

What does a mortgage on a Common Roots home look like?

Mortgages on CLT homes are meant to be affordable — when combined with land lease payments and other housing costs, your total monthly cost should be no more than about one-third of your income. We also connect families with financial support and counseling to help prevent foreclosure and support long-term success.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. Reach out anytime — whether you’re just starting to explore or you’re ready to take the next step.