Steps to
Homeownership
Are you wondering how to become a Habitat homeowner? Here's how the process works, from application and selection to dedication and move-in.
1
Inquire
Our office staff are always ready and willing to answer any questions you have about our Homeownership program. You can also find more information on the Apply page.
While applications for Habitat's homeownership program are only open for a specific time frame, there is an Interest Form available to get on the list to apply. You can fill out the form here. Once applications open, Habitat staff will send you everything you need to start the application process.
2
Apply
When applications for Habitat's Homeownership Program Application open, families and individuals who are interested will first complete an online orientation. This orientation goes over details about the criteria the selection committee will be looking at when choosing a partner family, how the program works, and what is expected of partner families.
After the orientation is completed, each interested family will receive an application that can be filled out online. Habitat staff will ensure that each application is completed correctly and then passed on to the selection committee for consideration. The selection committee carefully reviews each application while focusing on the following main criteria:
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Need for Housing. Applicants must demonstrate a need for safe, decent, and affordable housing.
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Willingness to Partner. After being selected, Habitat homeowners are expected to partner with Habitat throughout the process, which includes completing 250 sweat equity hours per adult before moving into a Habitat home.
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Ability to Pay. Homeowners must be able and willing to pay an affordable mortgage that is no more than 30% of their gross monthly income. Habitat mortgages are cycled back into the community to help build additional Habitat houses.
3
Interview
Next, the selection committee will make home visits to learn more about the applicant's family, discuss their willingness to partner, and learn more about current living conditions and any future housing needs.
4
Approve
After a careful review of each family's full application packet (including application, credit information, income verification, and information learned at the home visit), the Selection Committee presents their recommendations to our Board of Directors, who makes the final decision.
Applicants are then notified if they have been selected.
5
Participate
Once selected, the partner family is on its way to homeownership! At this stage, partner families will work closely with Habitat staff. Partnership includes:
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250 sweat equity hours per adult. Sweat equity must be completed before moving in. It can be completed on the construction site, in the office, or by helping out at the ReStore.
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Financial training
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Homeownership classes
6
Close
Once construction is completed and the certificate of occupancy is received, partner families will complete the mortgage paperwork. Habitat offers homebuyers an affordable mortgage with monthly payments that are not more than 30% of the household's monthly income. Mortgage payments made by Habitat homeowners go back into the program, helping Habitat move closer to its vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
7
Move In
It's time to celebrate a new Habitat homeowner! Family, friends, Habitat staff, volunteers, and tradespeople who worked alongside the family on their Habitat journey come together to dedicate the home.