Apply for a Home: Application Process

Application Process

Application Process: Home Ownership
Thank you for your interest in owning a Habitat home. Read the following to find out what you need to do!

STEP 1: Orientation

Potential applicants are REQUIRED to attend one orientation.
Learn about process and receive application.
Return completed application with required information to Habitat within a month of orientation.

STEP 2: Habitat calculates your income and pulls a credit report.

If income and credit meets our requirements, the applicant is invited to an in-office interview.

STEP 3: The in-office interview

STEP 4: Application continues to be processed.

Criminal background check, employment history and rental history are verified.
Application is passed to the Family Selection Committee.

STEP 5: Family Selection Committee home visit and decision is made.

Two members of the Family Selection Committee will contact applicant to set up a time to visit and interview at the applicant's residence.
After the visit the committee members will report at the next meeting. The report will be based on Need for Housing, Ability to Pay, and Willingness to Partner.
If approved, applicant will receive approval letter and be required to attend Family Participation Seminar. If denied, applicant will receive a letter stating the reason for denial.

STEP 6: If approved...

Attend Family Participation Seminar, sign Agreement, and begin immediately working on sweat equity hours.
Begin HIP classes and other activities.
Complete 75 hours and clear all "Bad Credit" before lot selection.
Construction on your house should begin after you have completed at least 125 hours.
Must put in at least 85 hours of work on your own house during construction.

The application process takes 3 to 6 months. The sweat equity requirements take 3 to 6 months. From the date of orientation to the time of house closing, it generally takes about a year.