Home Ownership

Application Process

Becoming a homeowner, or Partner Family, with Habitat is based upon three categories of criteria. These categories include the family’s actual housing need, based on the suitability of their current shelter, current income and ability to pay a monthly mortgage payment, and a willingness to participate as a volunteer of Habitat.

The first step to homeownership with Habitat is to attend a Partner Family Orientation.

Partner Family Orientations are held the second Sunday of every month. Call 330-296-2880 for information!

Selection Criteria

1. Housing Need
You will be considered for a Habitat home if your present housing is not adequate and if you are unable to obtain adequate housing through other conventional means. Lack of adequate housing may include problems with the present structure, water, electrical, sewage system, heating system or failure to meet local property maintenance standards.  Overcrowding in your home is also taken into consideration.

The percentage of your monthly income that you currently spend on housing is also considered to determine need.  You will be required to openly and fully discuss your financial situation with a Habitat interviewer.

2. Ability to Pay
Habitat will provide you with the home and you are required to pay monthly, interest-free mortgage payments. You must demonstrate your ability to pay the monthly payment. This payment will include not only the mortgage principal payment, but also real estate taxes and insurance.

We will help you determine if this payment will jeopardize your ability to meet all your other family financial obligations and expenses.  We can also help you if you need to develop a budget to determine your eligibility.

You and your family will be considered if your total income is at least $14,600 a year and not over 80% of the Portage County median family income.

*Subject to change without notice.

3. Willingness to Participate as a Partner of Habitat
Your family becomes a Partner Family of Habitat after you receive approval from the Board of Directors.  Your assistance in constructing your home and the homes of others is called “sweat equity.” Sweat equity may include clearing a lot, painting, construction, providing food for volunteers or working in the Habitat office.Â

As a partner family, you must complete 500 hours of sweat equity for a 2-adult family, 250 hours for a 1-adult family.  Your family can also receive credit of up to 10% of hours by applying work time put in by friends and relatives on your behalf (must be approved by Family Support committee).

We pledge 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 not barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, marital status or national origin.

FAQs

Q. I never thought my family would be able to afford a home. How is
homeownership made financially possible with Habitat for Humanity?
A. Affordability is made possible by donation of time from our members, donation
of materials and cash from our community, and an interest-free loan by Habitat
to the Partner Family.

Q. Am I responsible for updates and repairs to my home after it is
completed?
A. From the time you move into your home, you will be responsible for maintenance and repairs of the home and property.

Q. If I have questions about being a homeowner after I move into my
home, will assistance be provided?
A. After moving into your home, the Family Support Committee will maintain an ongoing relationship with you.
This includes financial counseling and household maintenance education.

Q. If I have questions about being becoming a homeowner, what should
I do?
A. Call us at the office for more information at 330-296-2880.