I Own a Home
Testimonial
Home Improvement Loans
“With a two-year old and another on the way, we didn't have the time or energy for exterior home maintenance and improvement projects. The risk of more costly repairs was likely if things weren't addressed soon. We didn't think we would qualify for assistance, but amazingly CNHS was able to find us both a low interest home improvement loan and matching grant funding. Their construction manager arranged for quotes from qualified contractors and oversaw the entire renovation project. We loved our contractor and would readily recommend him. If we'd had to organize and oversee this ourselves, it wouldn't have happened this year, or probably even next. Our sincerest thanks to the great people at CNHS.”
- Glen and Christina Fiebich
St. Paul's West Side
Home Improvement Loan and Grant Recipients
Community Neighborhood Housing Services (CNHS) provides home improvement loans at below market rates to low and moderate income home owners in St. Paul.
Do I qualify?
Home improvement loans require the home owner to have equity in their property, income at or below 80% of median, reasonable credit and the ability to repay a loan. To check equity go to www.co.ramsey.mn.us and click on "Property look up", type in your address and your property records will come up. Equity is the difference between the taxable market value and the amount a home owner owes on all outstanding mortgages. To check whether or not your family is at or below 80% of median home owners can go to www.mnhousing.gov/resources/resources/limits. It is always best to contact CNHS home improvement loan staff directly.
How does it work?
CNHS works with home owners to correct manditory rehab problems such as roofs, furnances and exterior painting, and for some clients can assist in astetic home improvement projects. Our construction specialist is an expert at negotiating the complex situations that arise during a home improvement project. After your application is complete and approved it is given to the construction specialist who will contact the home owner and set up an appointment to go over the requested work. During that meeting the construction specialist will help the home owner prioritize work based on the home owner needs and budget. Once the work to be done is agreed upon, the work will be sent out for competitive bids. When bids are received the construction specialist will meet with the home owner to go over the bids, select a contractor and determine a likely start date.
All home improvement loans are secured mortgages (a lien is filed with the county). Occasionally grant funds may be available. All work must be done by a licensed contractor. Home owners can not do any of the work themselves.
Help! My problem must be fixed NOW!
In the event of an emergency, a furnace goes out, pipes burst or some other immediate health and safety problem home improvement loan officers and the construction specialist will work with the home owner and contractor to ensure the quickest resolution possible.
