Purchase Opportunity
When the construction of new BMR homes or the sale of existing BMR homes occurs, the units become available for purchase. This is when EPACANDO and its partner, Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance, Inc. (BAAHA), conduct an outreach and selection process on behalf of the City.  Because demand is always high and supply is always low, a lottery is necessary. Lottery procedures are currently under review and will be updated soon.

The city utilizes a lottery system and maintains a notification list to select eligible applicants. Only those who meet the eligibility criteria can be on the title and mortgage. A new lottery pool of eligible buyers is created as units become available. Anyone may apply to join the lottery pool by filling out the Lottery Application Short Form. The lottery procedures give a degree of preference to eligible buyers who live or work in East Palo Alto.

Affordable ownership and rental costs are calculated so that they don’t exceed thirty percent (30%) of the maximum annual household income. For ownership housing, this assumes a down payment equal to ten percent (10%) of the total purchase price, utilities and other allowances (i.e., property taxes, loan insurance, etc.), and a conventional fixed-rate thirty-year fully amortizing loan in the amount of the difference between the purchase price and the down payment.

First-Time Homebuyer
An applicant cannot have owned a home or on title to a home within the last three (3) years.

Step 1: Become lottery eligible.
Review the income and family size limits to determine whether you qualify for the available unit.

Step 2: Get preapproved for a mortgage home loan.
Contact a mortgage lender to obtain preapproval for a home loan.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
In order to complete your loan application, you’ll need to provide the following documentation:

• Proof of Income: Pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements

• Identification: Government-issued ID for all household members

• Proof of Residency: A utility bill or lease agreement showing your current address

Step 4: Submit Your Application to Become Lottery Eligible.
Once your documents are ready, you can submit your application online to BAAHA. We recommend reviewing all information for accuracy before submitting your application.