Home Sweet Homan is an affordable homeownership program designed to build generational wealth for those who live, work, or worship on the West Side of Chicago. To do this, our program provides subsidies for qualified buyers to write down the cost of the home they purchase. The process detailed below outlines the steps interested buyers should take to buy a Home Sweet Homan home. While every homebuying journey is unique, this framework offers guidance and resources to clarify our process and requirements of buyers.
STEP 1: Sign Up
Fill Out the Interest Form
After completing the form, you’ll start receiving email updates from us on all things Home Sweet Homan – including program information, showing dates, homebuyer courses, and more.
Tour the Home
Check out our model home at 3605 W. Lexington Street! You may have already viewed our 3D Virtual Tour, but we encourage all prospective buyers to come see the home in-person. Open house showings are scheduled every month with our program realtor, Carmen Dennis. Registration is required for all in-person showings.
STEP 2: Get HUD-Certified
Complete a HUD-Certified Homebuyer Education Course
All Home Sweet Homan buyers must complete a HUD-certified homebuyer education course to qualify for program-related subsidies. These courses provide prospective homebuyers with all the resources and knowledge you need to buy a home. Home Sweet Homan is partnered with Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago for housing counseling services, although buyers may attend a homebuyer education course with any HUD-certified provider of their choosing. See below to register for upcoming trainings!
Have questions about how to financially prepare to buy a home? NHS also provides one-on-one financial literacy courses, which will put you on a plan to save for a down payment, repair your credit score, or any other personal finance assistance you need.
Reach out to a Program Representative
After completing your homebuyer education course, our program representatives can verify your eligibility for subsidies associated with the Home Sweet Homan program! Review our eligibility requirements here.
STEP 3: Match with a Lender
After working with Carmen, Home Sweet Homan will match buyers with several mortgage lenders that understand our unique program and related subsidies. We’ll work with you to get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan, which signals that you are financially ready to buy a home.
STEP 4: Sign Home Contract
After receiving your pre-qualification from a lender, buyers are cleared to sign a contract for their Home Sweet Homan home! At this time, buyers will select their address, select customize specific finishes for the home, and select accessibility accommodations. Carmen Dennis will assist you with completing the contract and the rest of the process of buying your home.
Connecting with Carmen
Meet Carmen Dennis, the wonderful North Lawndale-based realtor representing Home Sweet Homan! Once you’ve completed your homebuyer education course, reach out to Carmen about how to buy a Home Sweet Homan home. She will guide you through next steps in the homebuying process or offer resources that will help you prepare to buy.
STEP 5: Loan Application & Closing
The final step of the process is to finalize your loan application and close on your home. Your realtor, lender, and lawyer will help you through this process, step-by-step. Congratulations, homeowner!