Unlike other loan programs, your approval is not entirely credit-score driven. A comprehensive evaluation of your personal financial situation, including income and monthly budget, is evaluated to determine your ability to make an affordable monthly mortgage payment. Additionally, families interested in purchasing a home through Bay Area Habitat must meet certain criteria listed below.
Homeowner applications are currently closed.
We received many applications during our previous open application period, and our Family Services Committee is processing them as we continue to seek funding to build more homes! Stay tuned through our social media and subscribe to our newsletter to receive an announcement for when we reopen applications.
Basic Requirements
1. Need for shelter
Must have a legitimate need for housing. For example, broken plumbing, poor heating, leaks in the roof, overcrowding, unsafe or unsanitary conditions or dislocated as a result of a natural disaster.
2. Willingness to partner
Members of your household are required to give 200 hours of “sweat equity” towards building your home as well as other Habitat homes, and they are also required to attend specific financial budgeting and homeownership courses.
3. Ability to pay
Your family’s gross income must fall within the guidelines of the chart below. Income includes wages, social security, food stamps, disability and child support.
Other requirements include, but are not limited to, U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, an agreement to complete sweat equity hours, and current employment and ability to make monthly payments and a one-time closing payment.
APPLICATION PROCESS
After applying, our family selection committee will review your application.
The Family Selection Committee meets monthly to review the Application for Habitat Homeownership. This committee carries out home visits and interviews with the applicants, and makes the appropriate recommendations for families they believe are qualified for the Habitat for Humanity program.
Our Family Selection Committee members get to know our prospective homeowners well and make informed yet unbiased decisions based on their understanding of each family’s needs. Bay Area Habitat for Humanity-Houston, inc. follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection.