Interested Homeowners Step By Step Guidelines

Step I	Attend Informational Meeting
Interested applicants who cannot attend the informaitonal meeting need to contact Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. for an application package and a copy of the Step by Step Process.
Step II	Application Submittal
Must submit application form, income documentation (pay stubs, 1040, Social security... ) and pre-approval letter for financing, if available. Incomplete packages will be held (but not accepted) until all information is submitted. Submission of fraudulent information is grounds for rejection.   Applications will be accepted at the Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Office in person or by mail at Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 1055 East Baltimore Pike, Suite 100, attention Steven Eckell.   Once applications are accepted and date/time stamped, each application will be assigned a number based upon date/time received. A copy of the application checklist form will be given to the applicant upon submission.
Step III	Income Determination & Accessible Units
CEDA Staff will review income information received to insure that all households have income at or below 80% of area median income based on household size.   Once income qualified, CEDA will refer applicants to Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Applicants will be referred in the order of receipt of application. Applicants will be notified in writing of the need to meet with Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. If qualified applicants do not set up an appointment within two weeks, the next income qualified applicant will be referred to Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.   Families who are potentially eligible for the Chester Economic Development Authority's (CEDA) Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP) will continue to complete any program requirements to become eligible for closing cost and/or downpayment assistance. Applicants to HAP will not be required to complete all program requirements prior to being referred to Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. for lot selection.   Applicants for the accessible handicapped units must provide evidence that at least one household member has a permanent physical disability. Documentation must be provided that the disability is permanent in nature. Applications will be accepted on a first come basis. Accessible units may only be sold to households with at least one disabled member.
Step IV	Lot Selection
Applicants will meet with Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. for lot selection as well as selection of options and upgrades. Applicants must be able to afford any lot premiums, options or upgrades as evidenced by the pre-approval letter from one of the preferred lenders.   Applicants will be required to make a $1,000 lot deposit for the unit selected. All deposits will be fully refundable. Within 10 days applicants must enter into an agreement of sale. Additional time will be granted applicants in the HAP program to comply with counseling requirements.   Agreements of sale will then be signed. The Chester Community Improvement Project must review all agreements of sale for HAP eligible applicants prior to signing.
Step V	Selection Process for Remaining Units
Withdrawn applications will be replaced with the next applicant.   Applications will continue to be accepted until all units are sold.

Income Guidelines are subject to change.