We appreciate your interest!
Read through our program qualifications to learn how you can achieve Habitat homeownership.
***We appreciate your interest in our Homeownership Program.
At this time, we are NOT accepting applications!***
Qualifications:
Your dream of affordable homeownership could be a few steps away. Please read the qualifications fully before completing the application.
Ready to Apply? Click here.
INCOME – Gross annual income (before taxes) must be at least $34,000 for urban and suburban areas. In rural areas, minimum annual household income is $30,000. If you are not sure if your income meets these guidelines, we strongly encourage you to submit your application for us to review and make a determination.
Listen to the video below to see how to qualify for Habitat homeownership.
Please read the qualifications fully before completing the application.
Sweat Equity
Each adult will volunteer 200 hours with Habitat. 100 of these hours will be on the construction site.
Education
You will participate in a series of workshops hosted by Habitat for Humanity. Topics include home maintenance, personal finance, and budgeting.
Savings
Save $1,000 by opening a savings account and contribute a minimum of $25/month.
Listen to the video below to see the next steps you’ll take once you qualify for Habitat homeownership.
Please read the qualifications fully before completing the application.
View Our Homes:
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the credit guidelines?
Even with bad credit, you can still apply and Habitat will tell you if the credit should be fixed before proceeding. Judgments and liens should be paid, and you will be asked about collections. We do not expect perfect credit.
Most of my credit problems are because of medical bills, what can I do?
We do not ignore the medical bills, as a hospital or doctor can garnish your wages. However, Habitat can refer you to programs that assist in clearing these collections.
How does bankruptcy affect my application?
The bankruptcy must be discharged over 4 years ago and you may not have incurred any further collections or judgments on your credit report.
Are the homes given away?
No, Habitat homes are sold to the family partners in the Habitat Homeownership program, who then pay a monthly mortgage payment with taxes and insurance. The house payment will not equal more than 30% of gross monthly income.
How much is a monthly mortgage payment?
Habitat of Monroe County’s mortgage payments are affordable, no more than 30% of your gross monthly income, and in most circumstances, are significantly less than 30% of monthly gross income.
How will I know if I am chosen or not? OR If I'm not chosen as a family partner will I know why?
All applicants will receive a letter stating why they were not chosen and what can be done to better your chances of being chosen later. We strongly encourage you to fix the problems listed and reapply.
Where do you build the homes?
Home builds are located throughout Monroe County.
What does it take to be de-selected as a family partner?
- Lying or not being truthful in any way on any part of the application.
- Showing an unwillingness to partner. (for instance by not completing the sweat equity or getting down payment ready).
- Loss of income that would make it difficult or impossible to make a house payment.
Who chooses the family partners?
The director of homeownership reviews all the applications and determines if the applicant meets all the program requirements. The board of directors gives a final approval based on the director’s recommendation.
Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, handicap, religion, marital status, or because all or part of the applicant’s income is derived from public assistance.
All decisions are based on Equal Housing Laws, which Habitat adheres to strictly.
Do I have to be a resident of Monroe County to qualify?
No, you do not have to be a resident of Monroe County to qualify for a Habitat house in Monroe County.
Do you accept applications from: Families who do not have children? Unmarried couples? Large families? Potential co-owners that are relatives other than marriage (mother-grandmother/brother and sister, etc)
Yes
I have a child living with me that is 18 years old or older, does he/she need to complete sweat equity?
If your child is 18 years old or older and a full time student, they must contribute 50 sweat equity hours.
My children receive Social Security, how does this affect my income?
We count all income that will be in the family for three years or more. Write on a separate sheet and tell us how you intend to replace that income if it expires within three years.
I have a boyfriend/girlfriend who will not be a co-owner, but will be living in the house. How do you handle this?
All the household income must be counted, including his or hers. Then the person has to complete the sweat equity. They do not need to be a co-owner.
