Homeownership

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Habitat homeowner! We believe that everyone should have a safe, affordable place to call home. Habitat for Humanity helps low-income families realize the dream of homeownership.

Can anyone apply to be a Habitat homeowner? Yes. Habitat follows a nondiscriminatory policy of homebuyer selection. We serve people in need of housing regardless of race, religion, age, gender, origin, ancestry, disability, familial status, or any other legally protected class.

How long is the Habitat for Humanity home application process? Habitat’s path to homeownership is an important and in-depth process, requiring hard work, time and dedication. But this helps to ensure the long-term success of Habitat homeowners.

How do you select partner families? Qualified homebuyers are active participants in building a better future for themselves and they must fit into these three areas:
1. In need of better housing.

2. Willing to partner with Habitat.

3. Able to pay an affordable mortgage.

What is sweat equity? Our homebuyers put in hundreds of hours of ‘sweat equity’, which means they help build their own home and the homes of others in the Habitat for Humanity house building program, or volunteer at a Habitat ReStore. These prerequisite hours may also include classes in personal finances, home maintenance and other relevant topics to help ensure capability for the demands of owning a home.
Families contribute 250 hours of ‘sweat equity’ in a combination of education and in the construction or rehabilitation of their home.  Family and friends are able to assist the homebuyer in completing sweat equity hours, up to 40 hours. Sweat equity helps provide a meaningful interaction between partner families, affiliate representatives and Habitat volunteers, it gives families pride in homeownership, and it helps develops skills and knowledge that they can use in their home in the future.

What are the income requirements? Qualifying income minimums and maximums are determined by family size and are 30-60% of the area median income for Roscommon County. These guidelines are adjusted each year and are based on numbers defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Sources of income include: employment, social security, disability, spouse support, pension, unemployment and self employment/business income.
Based on family size, applicants must make more than 30% AMI and less than 60% AMI, as shown in the 2021 guidelines below:

What if I don’t have good credit? We do not require perfect credit.  We consider applicants who demonstrate the ability to make regular payments on their bills. Any collections, past due accounts, judgments, or liens must be addressed. If you have negative items on your credit report, such as collections, charge offs, etc., please call or stop in for financial coaching prior to submitting an application.

Will I need a down payment? Accepted applicants are required to make a down payment prior to the closing of the mortgage. Amount of down payment may vary dependent on each individual financial situation.

How do you apply for a Habitat house? It is easy to begin the homeownership process. Click on the button below for the Housing Application – print the application, fill it out, then mail or bring it in to the office. Or stop in to the office and pick up an application.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of 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 obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.