What You’ll Need to Apply for AST Homeownership
Preparing in advance can help you feel more confident and reduce stress when an AST homeownership opportunity opens. This page outlines the typical steps and materials artists may need when applying.
Specific requirements vary by property and funding source. Each opportunity will list its own details, but preparing early can help you move more smoothly through the process.
Before You Apply
Artists interested in AST homeownership are encouraged to complete as many of the steps below as possible before an opportunity opens.
You do not need to have everything completed to begin preparing.
1. Review General Eligibility
Before gathering materials, make sure AST homeownership is a potential fit.
In general, applicants must:
Live in the San Francisco Bay Area
Meet program income limits
Be seeking long-term, owner-occupied housing
Be a first-time homebuyer for most ownership opportunities
Do You Qualify for AST Housing? →
2. Complete a Homebuyer Education Course
Applicants are required to complete a HUD-approved first-time homebuyer education course and receive a completion certificate.
This course covers:
Responsibilities of homeownership
Mortgage financing basics
Budgeting and financial planning
Long-term affordability and resale requirements
Completing this course early can make it easier to respond when opportunities open.
3. Gather Financial Documents
AST verifies income and household eligibility as part of the application process. You may be asked to provide:
Recent tax returns
Pay stubs or income statements
Bank statements
Documentation of additional income
Credit information
Having these documents organized in advance can make the application process smoother.
You do not need perfect credit to begin preparing.
4. Understand Mortgage Readiness
Most AST homeownership opportunities require applicants to obtain a bank mortgage for the purchase price.
Preparation may include:
Speaking with a lender
Understanding your credit profile
Obtaining a mortgage pre-approval
AST does not provide mortgage lending, but staff can help you understand general requirements and next steps. A list of recommended lenders may be provided.
5. Prepare Artist Eligibility Materials
Artists applying for AST homeownership opportunities are asked to demonstrate an active, ongoing artistic or cultural practice.
This typically includes:
A short narrative about your current practice
Work samples or documentation
References who can speak to your work
Important to know:
The aesthetic quality of your work is not judged
Proof of income from artistic practice is not required
6. Learn About Community Land Trust Homeownership
AST homeownership opportunities are structured through a community land trust model, which includes shared stewardship and resale requirements.
Before applying, we encourage artists to:
Review Homeownership with AST
Understand limited-equity homeownership
Consider whether this model aligns with your long-term goals
A Note on Timing
Preparing in advance does not guarantee access to housing. Homeownership opportunities are limited and open based on funding and property timelines.
Preparation helps ensure that you are ready when opportunities arise — even if the timing is not immediate.