 What
is the first step toward Habitat home ownership?
The process of home ownership begins by attending an application meeting. See
the Criteria and Applying page to see if there are meetings scheduled at this
time. You can give us your name, mailing address, and phone number by email
or call the office 360.479.3853 to receive an information brochure.
The brochure is also online here [link to pdf brochure].
 What happens at the application meeting?
At the application meeting volunteers and staff outline the program
and selection process. You complete a written application
and provide required documents (read our brochure for the list
of required documents).
Committee Members conduct an initial review of the application
and ask for any further information you will be required to provide.
How does the selection process work?
The Committee will evaluate your financial eligibility. This
consists of obtaining documentation (see brochure for a list
of required documents), references, verification forms, and a
credit report to learn about your credit situation.
Close attention is paid to outstanding collections, debts, and
any unpaid judgments (judgments must be satisfied before the
family can purchase a home).
The Committee is looking for you to show adequate, reliable
income (see our brochure for criteria and required documents)
to be sure you are ready for the financial responsibility of
home ownership.
If you meet income and financial requirements, there will be
a home visit. Here the Committee is looking for your need
for housing and willingness to be an active partner with Habitat
throughout the program.
The Selection Committee then determines your eligibility and
presents selected families to the Board of Directors for approval
and acceptance.
What if my credit report shows outstanding collections,
debt, bankruptcies, judgments, or liens?
We do not look for perfect credit. We consider your whole
picture and look for applicants who are ready to accept the responsibility
of home ownership.
At the same time, we do not want to put you in a home that you
cannot afford or in a situation where you cannot be a successful
home owner.
For a complete list of requirements, see our brochure.
What can I do to prepare for applying?
You are highly encouraged to develop a plan of action to resolve
outstanding credit issues.
If you would like to get a head start, you can begin to clean
up your credit report, seek free financial counseling, and attend
the required First Time Home Buyer Class. See the Other
Community Resources page for contact information.
How long does the process take?
The process from beginning to moving into the home can take from
12 to 24 months or more depending on construction schedules.
After you have attended an application meeting it takes three
to four months to go through the selection process.
Once approved for the program you begin earning your Sweat Equity
hours by contributing to the construction on others’ homes and
saving for closing costs. It usually takes over a year
to complete and move into your own new home.
What does “need for housing” mean?
“Need for housing” can mean a few different things. If
the Selection Committee determines any of these apply, you meet
this requirement.
Substandard Housing: Has issues that create health and/or
safety problems (mold, unsafe neighborhood, poor heating or plumbing,
etc.), or too few bedrooms for the number, ages, and gender of
household members.
| • |
Temporary
Housing: Temporary living arrangements or transitional/subsidized
housing. |
| • |
Housing
that is too expensive: 50% or more of the income
is being spent for total housing costs (rent and necessary
utilities, i.e., water, sewer, trash removal, gas and electricity). |
What is Sweat Equity?
Sweat Equity is the time and effort you contribute toward the
purchase of you home through the construction of others’ homes
as well as your own. It is a central principle in Habitat’s
mission of building community and partnering with families
to provide “not a hand-out, but a hand-UP!”
Following approval of the selection committee, you must complete
the required number of sweat equity hours, but more important
than the number of hours, is your consistent, active participation
on the jobsite. In fact, most families far exceed the minimum
required numbers of hours (100-150 hours before construction
begins on their own home, 400-500 hours total before moving into
their home, depending on household size).
What if I don’t know anything about construction?
We do not require any previous skills or knowledge. Sweat
equity is an exciting learning experience in which you work with
your family, friends, and community to build other peoples' homes
as well as your own. Working alongside volunteers and future
neighbors to build your home and community is one of the most
unique, empowering, and rewarding aspects of Habitat for Humanity.
If I’m denied, can I reapply?
Absolutely. The Family Selection Committee does their
best to refer you to the tools and resources available to help
you improve your situation.
Some of our home owner families were denied the first time they
applied due to outstanding collections and debts, income below
our limits, recent bankruptcies, or other issues. They
successfully improved their eligibility, reapplied, and were
accepted into the program. |
