How the Program Works
Thank you for your interest in obtaining a Habitat for Humanity home. Since 1976, we have helped 9.8 million individuals and families achieve strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. If you or someone you know finds themselves facing barriers to opportunity due to inadequate living conditions, we may be able to help.
At Habitat, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. Unfortunately, statistics tell us that one in four households in the U.S. pays more than 30 percent of their income for housing and may have difficulty affording necessities such as food or clothing. So, we have spent the past 30 years partnering with those who want to build better lives for themselves. We know, and have seen the data, that people thrive physically, mentally and financially when their home environment improves.
If you support our mission and now find yourself asking how you too can become a Habitat homeowner, please review the qualifications below. From both our perspective and yours, this process is a significant investment in people who can shape what is possible. Habitat homeownership is a foundation for a brighter future.
Our homes are zero to low interest rate mortgages on the home only. Habitat maintains ownership of the land and has right of first refusal should you decide to sell. This helps us keep affordable homes available to others in need in an environment of little inventory. The average cost of a mortgage is between $700-$900 a month and includes the taxes and insurance. Because it is a zero to low interest rate, most of the mortgage is principle, taxes and insurance. There may be additional expenses such as association fees, sewer assessments, etc, that you may have to pay.
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A HOME
To be eligible to apply, you must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident and cannot already own a home.
If you answer yes to all three questions below, you may qualify to own a Habitat home.
DO YOU HAVE A NEED FOR A HOME?
MUST MEET AT LEAST ONE CONDITION.
Occupy unsafe, unhealthy housing or housing adaptable for disabled persons.
Occupy overcrowded housing: 3+ people or 2 opposite sex children living in one bedroom.
Live in transient housing: living in a shelter, with family or friends, etc.
Pay excessive housing expenses.
DO YOU MEET OUR INCOME GUIDELINES?
MUST MEET ALL CONDITIONS.
Have a minimum income of at least $25,000 per year.
Have income not more than 60-80% of AMI for your household size (the minimum income increases slightly for each additional household member beyond one).
Show proof of 12 months of steady income (all lawful sources of income counted).
Show existing long-term debt less than or equal to 38% - 43% of gross monthly income.
Demonstrate reliability in paying rent, utilities and other bills.
Possess solid credit history with satisfactory payment of debts.
Have the ability to save between $2500-3000 for closing cost.
WILL YOU PARTNER WITH HABITAT?
MUST MEET ALL CONDITIONS.
Complete application package and participate in the application process.
Attend a mandatory First Time Homeowner class
Perform 300 sweat equity volunteer hours.
Accept available properties and home design plans.
Prepare for responsibilities of homeownership.
Pass a criminal background and sex offender check
At Habitat, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. Unfortunately, statistics tell us that one in four households in the U.S. pays more than 30 percent of their income for housing and may have difficulty affording necessities such as food or clothing. So, we have spent the past 30 years partnering with those who want to build better lives for themselves. We know, and have seen the data, that people thrive physically, mentally and financially when their home environment improves.
If you support our mission and now find yourself asking how you too can become a Habitat homeowner, please review the qualifications below. From both our perspective and yours, this process is a significant investment in people who can shape what is possible. Habitat homeownership is a foundation for a brighter future.
Our homes are zero to low interest rate mortgages on the home only. Habitat maintains ownership of the land and has right of first refusal should you decide to sell. This helps us keep affordable homes available to others in need in an environment of little inventory. The average cost of a mortgage is between $700-$900 a month and includes the taxes and insurance. Because it is a zero to low interest rate, most of the mortgage is principle, taxes and insurance. There may be additional expenses such as association fees, sewer assessments, etc, that you may have to pay.
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A HOME
To be eligible to apply, you must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident and cannot already own a home.
If you answer yes to all three questions below, you may qualify to own a Habitat home.
DO YOU HAVE A NEED FOR A HOME?
MUST MEET AT LEAST ONE CONDITION.
Occupy unsafe, unhealthy housing or housing adaptable for disabled persons.
Occupy overcrowded housing: 3+ people or 2 opposite sex children living in one bedroom.
Live in transient housing: living in a shelter, with family or friends, etc.
Pay excessive housing expenses.
DO YOU MEET OUR INCOME GUIDELINES?
MUST MEET ALL CONDITIONS.
Have a minimum income of at least $25,000 per year.
Have income not more than 60-80% of AMI for your household size (the minimum income increases slightly for each additional household member beyond one).
Show proof of 12 months of steady income (all lawful sources of income counted).
Show existing long-term debt less than or equal to 38% - 43% of gross monthly income.
Demonstrate reliability in paying rent, utilities and other bills.
Possess solid credit history with satisfactory payment of debts.
Have the ability to save between $2500-3000 for closing cost.
WILL YOU PARTNER WITH HABITAT?
MUST MEET ALL CONDITIONS.
Complete application package and participate in the application process.
Attend a mandatory First Time Homeowner class
Perform 300 sweat equity volunteer hours.
Accept available properties and home design plans.
Prepare for responsibilities of homeownership.
Pass a criminal background and sex offender check