Home Ownership
Habitat homes are modest, well-built homes constructed by volunteers and financed primarily by private donations. A committee of volunteers screen and select partner families based on their need for housing, ability to pay and willingness to partner with Habitat.
Habitat homes are sold for their appraised value with a no interest loan. The monthly mortgage is typically between $250-$350 with an additional $50 a month added to cover insurance, taxes and maintenance. At closing, homeowners are required to make pay the first month's rent and insurance for the year. Homeowners are then responsible for making on time payments each month.
Who Qualifies
Partner families are selected based on their score on an objective screening tool. Factors that are taken into consideration include:
Need for Decent Housing
- Shelter inadequate - structural defects, lack of heat, maintenance problems, not handicap accessible.
- Number of bedroom inadequate based on age, number and gender of persons in household.
- Environment inadequate - residents feel unsafe.
- Rent not affordable - rent exceeds 35% of monthly income.
- Unable to purchase a home through any other means due to poor credit history.
- Housing is temporary.
Ability to Afford a Home
- Gross monthly income (before taxes) falls between 50%and 80% of the median household income for the area. Some exceptions can be made based on family size or special circumstance.
- Ability to make house payment of $300-$400 per month.
- A bad credit rating does not necessary eliminate you from consideration
- Proof of US Citizenship (copy of Social Security card) or Legal Permanent Resident (green card).
Willingness to help Habitat for Humanity Build and Grow
- Completing 500 hours of sweat equity prior to moving in.
- Helping to recruit volunteers for construction and special events.
- Willingness to be a spokesperson for Habitat.
- Willingness to maintain the land and home after purchase, be a good neighbor, and abide by neighborhood regulations.
How to Apply
- Our local affiliate will announce when applications are being accepted for new partner families.
- Interested families attend an orientation meeting where home ownership is discussed and applications made available.
- Turn in all paperwork necessary to complete the application.
- Applicants pay $15.00 for each adult living in the home to run a credit check.
- Family Selection Committee reviews applications.
- Executive Director obtains credit history.
- Applicants who qualify financially are interviewed at home by Family Selection Committee.
- Committee rates families by need criteria.
- Committee makes recommendation to Board of Directors for approval.
-
Approval to Moving In (1-2 years)
- Board approves applicant.
- Family complete sweat equity hours and saves for first payment and insurance.
- Family closes on home and home is dedicated and blessed.
- Family moves in!