How the NHT picks mortgagors

Though some Jamaicans view selection for a National Housing Trust (NHT) home in much the same way they view the lottery, the agency says it takes a systematic approach to the selection of candidates.

Senior General Manager for Customer Relations Management, Dr Lanie-Marie Oakley Williams, said selection is done using the priority index entitlement (PIE) system.

Applicants for a scheme house are selected for an interview based on a combination of different factors, including proximity of the scheme to the applicant's workplace or residence.

The NHT also looks at the number of weekly contributions made by the applicant.

The PIE system awards points based on the number of years the applicant has contributed to the trust. It is also based on the applicant's income.

Persons who earn less income earn more points in the selection system, and Oakley Williams says low-income earners who have been contributing to the NHT for over five years would have accumulated enough points to be eligible to benefit under the PIE.

"In a 52-week period, you will get 20 points. So, if you have been contributing for five years, you will get a total of 100 points," she said.

Additional points are also allocated based on income level.

Assessment based on points

"So, for instance, if you are in the group that has income below J$7,500 per week, you get 110 extra points, and those persons who are at the higher income group who are earning over J$20,000 per week would get 70 points," Oakley Williams said.

NHT collates the total points, and persons with the highest count are selected first.

If for any reason that candidate cannot afford the unit or is no longer interested, it will go to the person with the next highest number of points.

"When you apply for the scheme unit, we do an assessment based on the points, and these points are allocated based on the number of years that you have contributed. So we encourage our contributors to look for the papers and to see whenever we have a scheme that is eligible, and then you can apply for the NHT scheme units," the NHT executive said.

The NHT usually alerts the public to new schemes via press advertisements. Information is also posted on the agency's website, www.nht.gov.jm.

A fact sheet with all the necessary information is also made available.

The information includes details about the scheme houses, including location and sale price, downpayment required, as well as closing costs.

The NHT will also publish loan information and specify who may apply for the lots, and when they can apply.

Persons selected for a scheme unit are notified by mail, as well as through publications in the media.

- JIS