Home-acquisition applications due soon

The Seneca County Land Bank is reminding income-qualified residents that applications for purchasing a Fostoria home through the Welcome Home Ohio Program are being accepted through Dec. 12.New homes, located at 1310, 1314, 1318, 1322 and 1326 Walnut St., are available. Each measures between 1,304 and 1,380 square feet and features three bedrooms and two bathrooms and is furnished with new appliances.All applicants must complete the pre-qualification process, which includes a bank or mortgage pre-approval letter; proof that the household income is at or below 80% of the area median income; all forms completed in the Welcome Home Ohio application packet.Applicants may seek mortgage pre-approval from any bank or lending institution. However, several local partner banks — Sutton Bank, Old Fort Bank, Croghan Colonial Bank and WesBanco — offer additional support that may help eligible buyers. Those partners provide options such as zero- or low-down-payment programs, low-interest loans and down-payment assistance.Only pre-qualified buyers will be invited to participate in the offer process. These pre-qualified buyers will determine the final purchase price of each home through their offers.The Land Bank says Residents who meet the income guidelines and want to purchase a safe, modern, affordable home are encouraged to apply. Applicants will also be reviewed for possible support through the Community Housing Impact and Preservation program, offered in partnership with the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership.Applications are available online at https://fostoriaedc.org/newhomes/; at the Fostoria Learning Center, 342 Perry St.; and, by emailing to projects@fostoriaedc.org.Completed application packets must be placed in a sealed envelope and delivered to: Seneca County Land Bank, c/o Fostoria Economic Development, 342 Perry St., Fostoria, OH 44830.The application deadline is 5 p.m., Dec. 12.The Welcome Home Ohio Program is supported by a $2.75 million grant from the Ohio Department of Development to help create new homeownership opportunities in both Fostoria and Tiffin.For more information, call 419-435-7789 or email to projects@fostoriaedc.org.Applications packets may be located at https://fostoriaedc.org/newhomes/.