The Willows - Ayer, MA

Lottery Process
Due to the nature of the affordable homes availability it is important for everyone to understand the procedure. Please understand the allowable income guidelines are adjusted based upon your household size. Also be advised that the program and its requirements are subject to changes in local, state or federal regulations.

Lottery Pools
There will be eight (8) affordable units available at The Willows distributed by lottery. The lottery will be broken down into two pools – Local and At-Large. The pools breakdown as follows:

Local applicants would have two opportunities by being in both the Local and At-Large Pools to “win” a unit.

Unit preference for the two bedroom units will be given to households which require two bedrooms, based on household size. Second preference is to households which require one bedroom, based on household size.

Unit preference for the three bedroom units will be given to households which require three bedrooms, based on household size. Second preference to households which require two bedrooms, based on household size and third preference to household which require one bedroom based on household size.

All of the applicants for a given pool will be pulled at the time of the lottery. This will establish the rankings for the distribution of the units. For example, if there are 60 local applicants for the Lottery, the first 5 applicants that meet the preference criteria would have an opportunity to purchase the units. The remaining 55 applicants would establish the waiting list if the initial “winners” are unable to purchase.

Time Frames
The Willows is currently under construction and it is anticipated the first units will be available in September 2007 with the remaining units becoming available late 2007 and throughout 2008.

If you are selected and have the opportunity to purchase a unit you will speak or meet with a representative to review your application to verify all information. Applicants selected for units approaching completion will need to start working with the designated bank immediately to secure the necessary mortgage. Please be advised that the official income verification will be done at the time you have an opportunity to purchase a unit. Meaning, if one year after the initial lottery you have the opportunity to purchase a unit and you are over income at that time, you may not be able to purchase.

Acceptance of Units
It is important for all applicants to understand that specific units are attached to specific lottery rankings based upon the projected availability of the completed homes. Applicants will not have a choice of unit locations, style or schedules. You will not be able “pass” on a unit and wait for another unit. If you choose not to take the designated unit, you will go to the bottom of the list and will likely NOT have another opportunity.

Summary
We hope this helps explain the process by which the units will be distributed. It can be a lengthy and sometimes complicated process. We greatly appreciate your participation and wish you the best of luck in the lottery process.