become a homeowner
We believe that everyone should have a safe, affordable place to call home. To carry out our vision, we partner with individuals and families from application through construction to when the keys are handed over. By working with us from beginning to end, we can help prospective individuals prepare for the various responsibilities of homeownership, including learning about personal finances, mortgages, maintenance and upkeep of homes, and much more.
Habitat’s path to homeownership is an important and in-depth process, requiring hard work, time, and dedication. This helps to ensure the long-term success of Habitat homeowners. Below is a link to our Become a Homeowner brochure. For information on how to qualify for a Habitat home, please continue reading below.
We are currently reviewing homeownership applications. When applications are open again, they will be posted on this page and our social media. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with the newest information!
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR A HABITAT HOME
Habitat homeowners must be active participants in building a better home and future for themselves and their families. Every Habitat home is an investment. For us, it is one answer to a critical need, and we believe that stronger homes will create stronger communities.
- Prospective Habitat homeowners must demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing. Need will vary from community to community.
- Once selected, Habitat homeowners must partner with us throughout the process. This partnership includes performing “sweat equity,” or helping to build their own home or the homes of others in our homeownership program. Sweat equity can also include taking homeownership classes or performing volunteer work in a Habitat ReStore.
- Homeowners must also be able and willing to pay an affordable mortgage. Mortgage payments are cycled back into the community to help build additional Habitat houses.
Can anyone apply to be a Habitat homeowner?
Yes. Habitat follows a nondiscriminatory policy of homebuyer selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor.
How do you apply for a Habitat house? How long is the Habitat for Humanity home application process?
Submit a Screening Questionnaire
Set up a meeting with the Director of Operations & Family Services to submit your completed HFHCC Screening Questionnaire at the HFHCC office located at 1901 Lipan St. 78408, along with all the required documents. Your personal documents and questionnaire will be reviewed to determine if you meet the initial program guidelines and may proceed to the application process. If you meet the program’s requirements, you will be invited to attend an information schedule and provided with the date, time, and location.
To qualify, you must
- Be a first-time home buyer;
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S
- Be a resident of either Nueces County or San Patricio County for the past 6 months
- Meet income guidelines- based on area median income
- Meet credit guidelines – payment is considered but not score
- Be willing to participate in the “Sweaty-Equity” program
Attend an Information Meeting
At this meeting, you will hear information about our program. A HFHCC representative will be available to answer general application questions.
Complete application and set up an application intake meeting
Gather the required documents on the list provided to you with the application. Set up an intake meeting with the Director of Operations & Family Services to be held within two weeks of receiving the application form. Your credit report fee of $50 must be submitted at this meeting. HFHCC has 30 days from receipt of your application to respond to your application.
HFHCC Staff Review Application
A staff member will review your application, pull a tri-merge credit report. If you meet the qualifications, your application will continue through the application process.
Application Components are Finalized
Any outstanding documentation will be collected by a staff member. A sexual offender criminal background check will be conducted. At the appropriate time, the application will be distributed to the Family Selection Committee.
Family Selection Committee Home Visit
A member of the Family Selection Committee will contact you to set up a time to visit and conduct an interview of you and your family at your current residence. After the interview, a determination will be made about your application by the Habitat Board of Directors.
If Approved…
You will start your Habitat partnership – attend an orientation and other Homeowner classes and begin working on your 250-500 sweat equity hours!
Current Income Guidelines (Data Acquired from www.huduser.gov)
| County | 1 person | 2 person | 3 person | 4 person | 5 person | 6 person | 7 person | 8 person |
| Nueces County | 32520 | 37200 | 41820 | 46440 | 50160 | 53880 | 57600 | 61320 |
| San Patricio County | 32520 | 37200 | 41820 | 46440 | 50160 | 53880 | 57600 | 61320 |