STEP 1: How to qualify

How to Qualify for Homeownership: To apply and qualify to become a Habitat homeowner you must meet the following three criteria and additional requirements:

NEED FOR A HOME (ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS MUST APPLY)

Inadequate Housing
Problems with the present structure such as: water, electrical or sewage service system, heating, poorly maintained (substandard), or failure to meet city property maintenance standards
 
Overcrowded
Family size compare to number of bedrooms in the home
Unable to obtain a mortgage through the Private Market
Applicant has been denied for a conventional or government assisted mortgage loan
Government Subsidized Rent
Living in a government-subsidized housing (i.e. Housing Authority, Section 8 housing)
Cost Burden
Cost of rent plus utilities is more than 30% of applicant’s monthly income
Transitional
Currently living with a family member or friend
 
 

ABILITY TO PAY

Income Requirements.
  • Must demonstrate the ability to afford the projected monthly mortgage payment, which includes principal, taxes, and homeowner's insurance. The payment amount depends on the size of the home.
  • Must Have a minimum of two years of continuous income, with at least six months of employment with the current employer. All income must be documented. Applicants must currently earn a minimum annual gross income of $38,118 to $45,593, depending on the size of the home they qualify for.
*Gross income refers to income before taxes and deductions.
 
  • Various sources of income are considered, including job wages, court-ordered child support, alimony, Social Security Survival benefits (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Disability.
  • The monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 30% of the applicant's gross monthly income.
  • The total of monthly debts, including the mortgage payment and those shown on the credit history, should not exceed 43% of the applicant's gross monthly income.
  • Applicants must have the ability to save a $3,000 escrow down payment.  This includes an initial payment of $1,000 upon approval and an additional $2,000 before the closing date.
 
Credit Check
A credit check will be conducted by Habitat. Medical debt is not considered, and credit scores are not taken into account. Instead, the focus is on credit history. However, any non-medical accounts in collection, charge-offs, or unsatisfied public records must be resolved before approval.

The release date of any bankruptcy must be at least four years old.

INCOME CHART

INCOME CHART

Total Number of People in Household

Minimum Annual Gross Income

(depending on the size of the home that applicants qualify for)

Maximum Income Limits*

1

$38,118 to $45,593

$51,350

2

$38,118 to $45,593

$58,700

3

$38,118 to $45,593

$66,050

4

$38,118 to $45,593

$73,350

5

$38,118 to $45,593

$79,250

6

$38,118 to $45,593

$85,100

7

$38,118 to $45,593

$91,000

8

$38,118 to $45,593

$96,850

*2024 Income Limits from HUD as 4/1/2024

Got Credit Issues?

If you have credit issues and would like assistance to help solve them, please contact one of the following HUD approved Credit Counseling Agencies for a free Budget and Credit Counseling:
Clear Point Credit Counseling Solutions
 
Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp
Ph: 1-866-724-3328
http://www.dmcccorp.org
FREE Credit Reports. Federal Law allows you to:
  • Get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each credit report company (Equifax, TransUnion and Experian).
  • Ensure that the information on all your credit reports is correct and up to date.
You can request you free credit reports on below link.
Willingness to Partner
 
Willing to complete the required 300 sweat equity hours to help build your own and other Habitat homes

Willing to attend the Homebuyer Education Workshop (spread out over four Saturday’s from 9:30 am to 1:30 p.m.)

Willing to complete the mentoring program

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

First-Time Homeowner: Applicants must be first-time homeowners, which means they cannot have owned a home within the past 3 years, except for a mobile home.

Residency Requirement: Applicants must maintain a primary residence in Martin County for twelve (12) months period immediately prior to the applicacation date or must work in Martin County for twelve (12) month period prior to the applying with Habitat.
 
Criminal Background Check: All adults in the household must pass a criminal background check.
 
Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency: All members of the household must be either US citizens or legal permanent residents (green card holders).

 

 Habitat for Humanity is pledged to the letter and spirit of the U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to becoming a homeowner due to race, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.