2025 HOMEOWNERSHIP FAQ’s

What’s the process for buying a home through NHSH?
To be eligible to purchase a home through North Haven Sustainable Housing, you must first fully complete NHSH Homeownership Application. Once we’ve reviewed your information, and it meets our home buyer eligibility requirements, a representative from NHSH will reach out to confirm your eligibility. You may apply at any time during the application window, or after the application window closes. But, if you want to participate in the random drawing to determine initial placement on our waiting list, be sure to submit your application by the application deadline.  And don’t forget to join our mailing list to stay up to date with all our work.

How do you choose who gets to buy the homes?
Applicants interested in purchasing a house from NHSH in the next 3-4 years are encouraged to join our waiting list. If multiple applications are received during the open application window a random drawing will be conducted to establish an ordered waiting list. Applicants interested in being added to the waiting list after the drawing will be added on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are at the head of the waiting list when a new NHSH property is offered for sale, you will have the option to move forward with the purchase process at which time  NHSH will work with you to secure financing and close the sale.  

What are my options if I am first in line but I’m not interested in the property being offered? Applicants on the waiting list, once deemed next in line, will have the opportunity to defer their right to purchase of a specific property and remain first in line for the next available property. This option is only available two (2) times. If the applicant defers when a third property is offered for sale, they will be dropped to the end of the waiting list.

How does the waiting list work?
Your position on the waiting list will depend on the random drawing, initially, and then on a first-come first-served basis following the drawing Once the application window closes and the drawing is conducted,  applicants will be informed of their drawing-determined position on the waiting list. The house-sales waiting list will be maintained for a minimum of 3 years.  During that time we will keep you updated on your status and let you know if any homes become available. You will have the option of taking your name off the waiting list at any time.

What happens if my application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, don’t worry—there’s an appeal process. You’ll have one week to submit an appeal in writing, explaining why you believe the decision should be reconsidered. Our appeal committee will review it and get back to you. If your appeal is successful, we may prioritize your application or place you on the waitlist.

How are the home prices determined?
Home prices are set based on a sliding scale, depending on your household income. In setting prices we take into consideration Area Median Income (AMI) for Knox County, Maine, manageable mortgage payments (typically 20% of household income) at current mortgage rates, real estate comparables, and all-in costs of building, purchasing, and/or improving a property.  Thanks to generous donors, NHSH covers the difference between the sale price and the actual development costs to keep homes affordable in our community for years to come.

What about household size?
Given the scarcity of housing available on North Haven, NHSH has determined that 3-bedroom homes offered for sale will be restricted to a minimum household size of two (2) people. There will be no minimum household size restrictions for 1- or 2-bedroom units that may become available for sale in the future. 

How are design choices being made?
NHSH will be offering both new-build and existing housing units for sale.  Newly built units will be designed to be energy-efficient and will feature new windows, kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and appliances. Specific details of design, floor plans, etc. will be provided as the units become available.

When can I move in if I’m selected?
If you are first in line on the waiting list when a property becomes available, you’ll work with a lender to secure financing for the home. Newly built homes will be sold only after construction is completed and they’re ready for occupancy. Just remember, you need to submit your application first to be considered for selection.

What exactly is a household?
For our purposes, a household includes all dependents, partners, and other family members residing at the property on a permanent basis. 

Should I apply if I don’t meet all the eligibility requirements?
Yes! We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements. If you’re not eligible for this round, you might still qualify for future homeownership opportunities. 

How are income limits determined for eligibility?
Knox County AMI is calculated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) using federal census data to determine the median income for our county. These income limits change based on household size. For some properties, NHSH extends eligibility up to 200% of the AMI to address the unique challenges of the island real estate market. These guidelines are updated annually and are used to determine eligibility.

What about property taxes?
Properties sold by NHSH are not exempt from property taxes. Tax rates are established by the Town of North Haven and all property taxes will become the responsibility of the buyer. 

What is an HOA and what will that require?

HOA stands for Homeownership Association.  NHSH’s Fish Hawk Road sub-division will have a limited HOA to coordinate road maintenance and maintain common areas. Members pay ongoing fees to contribute their share of these costs.

Why is an HOA required for Fish Hawk Road?

Subdivision law requires that shared infrastructure, such as private roads, be governed by a set of rules enforced through a Homeowners Association (HOA) or a similar entity. This ensures that all homeowners contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of the private road, preserving access and long-term usability.

How is NHSH funded?
As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, NHSH’s operating and development budgets must rely on a variety of funding sources, including charitable donations, donations of property, public and private grants, and proceeds from our rental properties and house sales. 

What is NHSH’s mission?
The mission of North Haven Sustainable Housing is to provide housing opportunities to sustain a year-round island community on North Haven. The mission shall be accomplished by a) developing residential properties for sale to island individuals and families, b) creating and operating year-round rental housing for individuals and families, c) developing housing opportunities for elderly or disabled residents that will allow them to remain members of the year-round community, and d) facilitating energy efficiency programs for the island.