CSU is constantly striving to find more affordable housing options for its employees in the high-priced Fort Collins housing market, and a new offering from a statewide nonprofit could help.

In addition, CSU is providing free homebuyer education classes in October covering first-time homebuyer options and affordable homeownership.

Elevations Community Land Trust has several affordable single-family homes on the market in Fort Collins, as well as 54 townhomes under construction. Community land trusts are generally about 40% below the market on average.

More details on eligibility criteria and the application process are available online at elevationclt.org, but the five main steps toward ECLT home ownership are below:

• Estimate your household income and check income limits for your desired area.
• Complete ECLT online orientation.
• Complete a Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) homebuyer education class.
• Speak with an ECLT participating lender.
• Complete the ECLT online application.

ECLT is hosting an information session on Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 9. The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tx8FwuW2T56L_sJOQ15_FA

In addition, there are two free homebuyer education classes that CSU and Brothers Redevelopment are offering via Zoom during the month of October, in both English and Spanish:

Deep Dive into Conventional First-Time Home Buyer Options

Learn how selecting a conventional loan product can save thousands of dollars over the life of a loan during this free one-hour session. Find out what to ask a lender and be the one in the driver’s seat throughout the loan process. Understand the potential savings involved with selecting a conventional loan product and how to maximize savings.

In English:
Noon on Oct. 16: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OMJSv17KRYCHFrgkkbdhdA
6 p.m. on Oct. 16: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C-4wqZrwQAOKNj66mBqQOg

In Spanish:
Conozca como eligiendo una hipoteca convencional podría ahorrarle miles de dólares sobre la vida de la hipoteca. Todo durante este taller gratis de una hora. Conozca las preguntas que usted puede presentar al prestamista para asegurar que usted esté en control durante el proceso hipotecario. Aprende como usted podría ahorrar con elegir una hipoteca convencional y asegurar que usted esta ahorrando lo más posible.

Noon on Oct. 17: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LYm–quJRWactGGkqLkeRg
6 p.m. on Oct. 17: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HF6QAu5KQU2WbKajH83Vfw

Deep Dive into the Challenge of Affordable Homeownership

If you are confused regarding the opportunities that are available for down payment assistance, specialty loan products, land trusts and other affordable home ownership options, please join this free one-hour session to learn more about what options may be available to suit your specific needs. One hour of time may result in helping to begin the path of building wealth as a homeowner rather than continuing to build your landlord’s wealth.

In English:
Noon on Oct. 18: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e2HFwfNQQ8i9W-k5s1Hpog
6 p.m. on Oct. 18: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fCtY7vmGRgq616BeBdAkiw

In Spanish:
Si usted esta confundido/a sobre las opciones disponibles para ayudar con recursos financieros para el enganche, fideicomisos de tierras y otras opciones para viviendas asequibles inscríbase para este taller y aprende sobre todas las opciones y cuál le ayudaría más a usted. Con una hora de su tiempo usted podría empezar el camino a crear riqueza como un dueño de hogar en vez de seguir entregando pagos a su casero.

Noon on Oct. 19: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_a2ShWiRcS22uBSP2gfVy-A
6 p.m. on Oct. 19: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Wkqzhao9QVCFq0ftE4Xi5A

In February, CSU launched a Mortgage Insurance Waiver program for first-time homebuyers with Canvas Credit Union, and a Housing Partners Program. In addition, construction continues on the Rendezvous Trail apartment complex near Timberline Church. It will provide 57 apartments to CSU employees to rent at discounted rates starting in early 2024.