Two Rivers Community Land Trust Homeownership Program

What is Two Rivers Community Land Trust Homeownership Program?

Two Rivers Community Land Trust Homeownership Program is a shared-appreciation loan for homebuyers in Washington County, Minnesota, administered by Two Rivers Community Land Trust (TRCLT).

• Two Rivers Community Land Trust buys, rehabilitates, and resells homes in Washington County to income-qualified buyers at below-market prices using the community land trust shared-equity model (the land value is removed from the mortgage). Buyers also gain access to fixed-rate, low-interest financing and down payment assistance. Households must meet MHFA/HUD income limits (~80% AMI) and complete two homebuyer education classes including TRCLT's own. The land remains owned by the trust under a ground lease to keep homes permanently affordable.
• Below-market purchase price (land removed from mortgage).
• Access to fixed-rate low-interest financing and down payment assistance.
• Permanently affordable via CLT ground lease.
• Funding comes from Federal, state (Minnesota Housing / MHFA), local, and private affordable-housing funding sources.

Do you have to pay it back?

Two Rivers Community Land Trust Homeownership Program is a shared-appreciation loan and is repaid under the terms set by Two Rivers Community Land Trust (TRCLT).

• Repayment is triggered by Community land trust shared-equity model: TRCLT retains ownership of the land; resale price restricted by the ground lease/resale formula to preserve affordability.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Two Rivers Community Land Trust Homeownership Program is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Two Rivers Community Land Trust Homeownership Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• 2025 gross annual income limits by household size (MHFA/HUD): 1-person $72,950; 2-person $83,400; 3-person $93,800; 4-person $104,200; 5+ $106,000. Approximately 80% AMI for Washington County / Minneapolis-St. Paul MSA.
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Two Rivers Community Land Trust Homeownership Program caps the purchase price as follows: Income-qualified program; if income and assets exceed program limits at any time, the application is disqualified.

• Eligible property types include Single Family.

Where does it apply?

Two Rivers Community Land Trust Homeownership Program serves buyers purchasing in Washington County, Minnesota.

• Targeted neighborhoods: Washington County, Minnesota.

How do you apply?

Applications for Two Rivers Community Land Trust Homeownership Program go through Two Rivers Community Land Trust (TRCLT), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through Two classes required, including TRCLT's own homebuyer class (e.g., Home Stretch / Framework via Minnesota Homeownership Center or partner agencies).

2. 2

   Contact Two Rivers Community Land Trust (TRCLT) to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Income pre-screen, then pre-application; if approved, full application with a CLT-experienced lender and realtor; buyers may be placed on a waiting list for the next available TRCLT home, and are subject to availability.

3. 3

   Work with a lender who handles the program

   Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.