FAQ

ABSCAN’s mission

Why should I finance my project with ABSCAN?

ABSCAN offers financing services exclusively to First Nations and their members. Most of ABSCAN’s management team and its employees are member of First Nations, meaning that they possess a deep awareness of First Nations’ reality and their needs. With ABSCAN, no Band Council guarantees are needed. Our loans are based on individuals’ ability to repay and on housing values. We should also mention that ABSCAN takes into account the fact that many members of First Nations working on-reserve do not pay income tax. ABSCAN also considers contributions paid, if any, by Band Councils, such as land donations and/or grants, as a down payment. For more details, see About us.

For Quebec First Nations, what are the advantages of doing business with ABSCAN ?

Accessible financing without the Band Council’s guarantee.
The possibility of receiving financing without a down payment. (Learn more!)
Affordable interest rates.
Not only a lender, ABSCAN accompanies you as your project is realized.
Reduced pressure on Band Councils that, in any case, should not be solely responsible for housing in their communities.
Solutions to housing shortages and over-crowding that respond to community members’ real needs and financial reality.
Notable improvement in communities’ individual and collective quality of life where homeownership programs have been put in place.
Establishment of a financial asset aimed at wealth creation.
Etc

Eligibility for ABSCAN services

Is the monthly cost of owning a home much higher than renting one?

The monthly cost of owning a home is generally higher than renting because it includes the repayment of your housing loan. There are, nevertheless, numerous advantages to homeownership and it is more accessible that you think thanks to ABSCAN’s First Nations Housing Program. For more information, please visit habitationpremieresnations.ca.

What are the criteria for benefitting from ABSCAN’s support?

To benefit from ABSCAN’s financing programs and tools for change, you must be a member of a First Nations and wish to undertake your project in an Aboriginal community in Quebec.
Contact us to find out how we can help you realize your dream of becoming a homeowner.

Do I need a down payment to undertake my housing project with ABSCAN?

You do have necessarily need to have a down payment to become a homeowner in your community. Details about down payments can be found in the section about ABSCAN’s Services.

What happens if I can’t make my monthly payments?

When you default on your payment, your property could be seized. This is why it’s so important to plan your project well and to assess your financial situation. ABSCAN is here to accompany you through the different steps in your project’s development and completion thanks to individualized solutions adapted to the needs, goals, and priorities of your Nation.

Steps for doing business with ABSCAN

What steps do I need to follow to secure ABSCAN’s support?

The first step is to contact one of ABSCAN’s housing loan advisors to see what your needs are and if you are eligible. Next, with the housing loan advisor’s help, you will have to:

Identify which solution best fits your needs and budget and will allow you to achieve your housing goals.
Fill out the form to finalize your application.

You can also consult this pamphlet identifying the steps to becoming a homeowner.

I want to build my own home. Where should I start?

Please consult this pamphlet to learn more about the steps to becoming a homeowner.
Please contact a housing loan advisor to discuss your situation and goals.
A housing loan advisor will help you determine your needs, eligibility for different programs, and the next steps plan and complete your project.

Can I secure money to renovate my home?

ABSCAN’s First Nations Housing Program give you the freedom to buy an existing home, to build one that suits you and meets your needs, or to renovate your current home. Tell us about your project and we will gladly help you make your dream a reality!

Should my Band Council be informed of the steps I have taken to become a homeowner?

It’s good to keep your Band Council up to date on how your project is coming along. Depending on what programs are in place, your Band Council may be able to offer you financial or technical support. Find out more from them!

How much time will it take to have a response after I submit my loan application?

An ABSCAN team member will contact you to confirm that your file has been opened as soon as we receive your completed loan application. The team member will let you know if any documents are missing from your application package. It takes 3 to 5 working days to have an verbal response once all the required documents have been received. If you qualify for a loan, ABSCAN will sent you a written document specifying the maximum amount you may borrow for your project.

Homeownership and your financial situation

I want to become a homeowner. What is the first step?

The first step is to assess your financial situation. To do this, answer the following questions:

Do you have a stable income? If so, what is it?
What is your repayment capacity? To determine this, subtract the total of all your monthly financial obligations (loan repayment) from your net monthly income.
What is your credit history? Do you regularly pay your bills on time? Or do you sometimes pay late?

You can consult the following pamphlet to learn more about the steps to follow.
You can also consult other useful tools, such as the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s guide , to learn about the steps to homeownership (with or without ABSCAN).

Why should I pay more to own a home when I have subsidized housing I don’t need to maintain for almost nothing?

Homeownership isn’t for everyone. Housing is a choice and homeownership allows you to live in a house that meets your needs and those of your family. ABSCAN offers an alternative to subsidized housing by offering a housing loan tailored to First Nations members that allows you to realize your dream of homeownership.

How much should I expect to pay to become a homeowner?

The response to this question depends on several factors and is different for every individual or family.
The first thing you need to do is to assess your financial situation. This will help you to then identify your needs and the available opportunities.
We invite you to contact ABSCAN to speak with a housing loan advisor for more information.

How can I save to become a homeowner?

Numerous tricks and tools exist to help you save up to own a home.
You can consult the Financial Basics guide to better understand your financial situation and identify concrete ways to save.
We also invite you to contact our team so that we can offer further guidance.

My credit history is poor. Can I submit a loan application anyway?

We will be able to advise you on certain actions you can take to improve your credit rating and to achieve your dream. However, please note that if you are in a consumer proposal process (debt consolidation) or are bankrupt, you must wait to be released from these processes before sending ABSCAN a loan application.

I want to understand my credit report. Where do I begin?

We suggest you use the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada’s tools to better understand your credit report.

How can I improve my credit rating?

Consult the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada’s list of tricks, available here, to improve your credit rating.

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FAQ

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