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Check Out Our Member Stories

Supporting small businesses nationwide

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Read Our Annual Report

See the numbers of how we supported our communities

Learn More
Invest in What We Do

Connect with our team to see how you can be a part of the mission

Reach Out

Homeownership Resources

Janay Brooks, also a Reclaiming Chicago Communities homebuyer.

Homeownership is probably closer than you think

We're here to help you at every step of the process, with guides and FAQs that will make your homeownership journey smoother.

What is the homebuying process?

Our step-by-step guide takes the mystery out of homebuying by explaining each step of the homebuying process, so you know what to plan for.

Breaking down home loan myths

No. While higher credit scores can help unlock lower rates, the minimum credit score for a Self-Help mortgage loan is 580.

No. Many of our loans require only a 1-4% contribution of the purchase price at closing. Our Equity Boost loans even allow you to include closing costs in your financing.

No. Our loans don't require private mortgage insurance (PMI), even if you're only paying 1% of the purchase price.

No. All of our affordable home loans can be combined with downpayment assistance, which is a great option to help build equity and lower your monthly payments. Your loan officer may be able to connect you with local grants and programs that can help with this.

Want to learn more about our home loans?
Ready to prequalify?

Our experienced home lending team is here to help. Once you reach out, your loan officer will set up a meeting with you to understand your homebuying goals and finances. 

Have the following items ready for you and any co-borrowers to help the process along:

  • Photo ID
  • Tax returns (two most recent years)
  • W2s (two most recent years)
  • Pay stubs (two most recent pay cycles)
  • Bank statements (two most recent months)
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Already own a home?

Congratulations on reaching this milestone! Buying a house is the first big step to creating a home that you can enjoy for years to come. Here are a few resources to help you maintain your investment:

Free Homeowner Resource Guide

This resource guide includes tips on saving money for repairs, ideas to improve your credit score, and info on regular maintenance. Keep it handy for when questions or issues arise.

Wealth & Wellness Coaching

Maintaining a home can come with a lot of expected and unexpected expenses. If you need an extra boost to get started achieving your financial goals, one-on-one wealth and wellness coaching is available for free to Self-Help members.

Servicing Team

The wellbeing of our borrowers is our top priority. If you're having trouble making payments or need to talk with our servicing team, please reach out. We can connect you with resources and help you make a plan.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

If you're planning home improvements, a home equity line of credit can help you finance your projects. Check out our responsible, affordable HELOC financing.

Refinancing

Looking for a better rate? We offer refinances on existing mortgages. Contact our home lending team today to explore whether a refinance makes financial sense for you.

Save Money and Energy

Take advantage of long-term savings while making your home more energy efficient and your community safer and cleaner with the help of our Energy Saver Loans and Solar Panel Loans. 

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Equity Boost Home Loans

Get down payment assistance to kickstart your dreams.

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