Homeownership Program

Get Ready Program
Eligibility
Home Features

a hand up , not a hand out

We do not give away free homes! We give local individuals and families the opportunity to purchase a home with an affordable mortgage.

Journey to Homeownership

Pre-Phase: Complete the Get Ready Program

Phase 1: Apply for the Homeownership Program.

Phase 2: Submit Requested Documentation

Phase 3: If your application meets all verification requirements, you will be accepted and move to Phase 4 for homeownership

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for our program, applicants must meet our basic requirements.

Effective 2027, completion of the Get Ready Program within the last 12 months is required to apply for homeownership

Examples of need include: living in a home that might not have proper plumbing or wiring, has structural problems or is in bad shape, overcrowded, temporary housing, the home is unsafe, paying more than 30% of your income on rent, and/or needing a home that is accessible for someone with a disability.

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to afford the estimated monthly mortgage and household expenses.

Habitat requires a consistent, stable income in the United States for a minimum of 2 years. Different employers in 2 years are acceptable, gaps in employment is not acceptable.

Income must be verifiable, types of acceptable income are: employment, social security, pension, disability income, alimony, and reliable child support. We consider the income of all adults (18 or older) in the household. Applicants must provide income documentation for the past 2 years.

View our income guidelines based on household size.

In addition to a minimum of 620 credit score, established credit is required and must be proven, including a 12-month good payment history.  Non-traditional credit sources must provide a 12-month good payment history.

 

Debts, such as collections, judgments and charge-offs, are not accepted. If collections, judgements or charge offs have been paid in full within 3-6 months of time of application, the credit report must also display at least 12 months of good payment history with the same or other creditors.

Bankruptcies (13 or 7) must be discharged for 2 full years at time of application.

Applicants must be able to save up to 1% of the home purchase price for closing cost. For example, a home with a value of $375,000 will require closing costs of $3,750 to be saved and provided by the homeowner.

Once chosen for the program, you become a Future Homeowner. Future Homeowners must complete partnership hours. This means taking homeowner education classes with budget coaching, volunteering at the ReStore, and helping build their own home and others in the program. Future Homeowners need to earn between 250-350 hours.  Accommodations can be made for applicants with disabilities.