Basically here is how it works:
If a subdivision is approved and it is of sufficient density, the builder is required to create x amount of Affordable Dwelling Units. These units are offered at essentially cost to the builder to individuals that qualify for the program. Builders have recently begun to make these affordable dwelling units of higher quality, if no one purchases one of these units the builder is able to sell them on the open market and pocket the profit as well as fulfilling the government mandated ADU provisions. The county [taxpayers] isn't taking a hit (I suppose on the yearly real estate taxes due to the lower assessment) the builder is missing out on some profits.
The qualifications for the program have been previously stated, and are indeed capable of being "gamed". I did not game the income requirements, I did however fall just a few hundred below the hard income cap. Took about six months to get into the program, and I provided about 550 pages of documentation to justify entry into the program, as all applicants must. I am a public servant, but that does not have any effect on my entrance into the program. Anyone who is eligible can sign up, even those who do not live or work in the subject county.
If you don't meet the requirements for the program, I truly do feel bad for you, but I am not going to deny myself the opportunity. I am required to resell the house into the program for the 15 year control period. After the 15 year control period I am free to sell the house at open market, and profit over the initial purchase price is split 50% with the county. It's not like you can fall ass backwards into this program, it required lots and lots of effort, granted not $300,000 of effort but effort nonetheless.
As far as what I do and do not need.the program offers parcels for sale on a first come first serve basis, the initial subject parcel is not the best or the worst that I have seen. The reason why contract writing was forcibly stopped by me was because the builder was attempting to sell it to a buddy and not following the rules of the program.
I'll happily answer questions, or provide assistance to anyone who would like to apply. I'm not going to be made to feel like a pariah for capitalizing on the obvious. I have a family to shelter, and long term paying $1,500 a month in rent is not going to allow me to provide what's necessary. We saved 20%, we did the work to get in the program, we're getting the house, and that's that.
