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 Habitat no interest monthly mortgage payment (payment depends on size of the home, mortgage includes principal, taxes and homeowner’s insurance)
  • Must have a minimum of two years of continuous (must have at least six months with current employer) and documented income and currently earn a minimum annual gross income of $34,956 to $36,400 (depending on the size of home that applicants qualify for)

*Gross income (before taxes and deductions are taken from paychecks)

We count income from job wages, court order child support, alimony, Social Security Survival benefits (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Disability.

  • Monthly mortgage payment cannot exceed 30% of the applicant’s gross monthly income.
  • Monthly debts (those shown on credit history), including the mortgage payment, cannot exceed 43% of applicant’s gross monthly income.
  • Have the ability to save the $2,000 escrow down payment, $500 at approval and $1,500 before closing

Credit Check

Habitat will conduct a credit check. Medical debt is not taken into consideration and we do not look at credit scores. Instead, we consider your credit history. However, non-medical accounts in collection, charge-offs or unsatisfied public records need to be resolved prior to approval.

Bankruptcy release date must be at least four years old

INCOME CHART

Total Number of People in Household

Minimum Annual Gross Income

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

Maximum Income Limits*

1

$34,956 to $36,400

$44,800

2

$34,956 to $36,400

$51,200

3

$34,956 to $36,400

$57,600

4

$34,956 to $36,400

$64,000

5

$34,956 to $36,400

$69,150

6

$34,956 to $36,400

$74,250

7

$34,956 to $36,400

$79,400

8

$34,956 to $36,400

$84,500
 

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:
 

 

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.

https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action

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 three Saturday’s from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

Willing to complete the mentoring program

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be a first time homeowner (cannot have owned a home within the past 3 years, except for a mobile home)

Must live or work in Martin County for twelve (12) months prior to applying with Habitat

All adults in household must pass a criminal background check

All members in household must be either US citizens or legal permanent residents (green card)

 

 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.