Homeownership

Who qualifies for a Habitat house?

In general, families who are unable to meet the income and credit history requirements of banks often qualify for a Habitat house. We also have specific lower and upper income guidelines.

Habitat takes into consideration problems with current housing (e.g. over-crowding, rent too high, bad structural problems, infestations, etc.); your willingness to work (500 hours of sweat equity on your own home, on committees, someone else’s home, ReStore volunteer, etc.). Families are encouraged to have friends and relatives assist them with a certain number of these hours. Your employment history, credit history, and ability to make the monthly mortgage payment will also be considered.

Note: You must meet the income guidelines for a home.  Habitat offers a hand-up with an affordable home.  However, there are minimum income requirements needed to make the monthly payments

How much does a Habitat house cost?

Payments vary depending on the house. For example, a house built for $115,000.00 (which is typical) would have a monthly payment of approximately $550.00 which includes principal and escrow for taxes and insurance. The houses are sold with mortgages usually for a 20-year pay period. Payments will not exceed 30% of the family’s income. Families and sites are matched by Habitat’s Family Nurturing Committee. A down payment of $500.00 and a full year of home insurance payments are required.

If I qualify, how long does the process take?

It may take up to six months for the screening process and up to 2 years before the family can move into a Habitat house.

What is my responsibility to Habitat?

Selected families are required to attend a minimum of new-homeowner classes. These classes include budgeting, home maintenance and minor repairs, insurance, and other topics related to family living and home ownership. After moving in, families are expected to make monthly mortgage payments on time and keep the house and yard well-maintained. Homeowners are fully responsible for their property and monthly utility bills.

What else should I know?

Habitat for Humanity (HFH) raises much of its funds through publicity throughout the community. Thus, homeowners will occasionally be asked to participate in events that will help publicize the work of HFH. Such events might include fundraisers, newspaper, radio or TV coverage, and photographs. This is necessary to maintain community involvement, but every effort is made to make the experience comfortable for the family.

Each home is publicly dedicated and the family is presented a Bible along with the keys to their house. For each HFH home built, your local affiliate supplies funds to build a corresponding home in another country. Owning a home is a tremendous responsibility. HFH will provide training and teach you the skills that will become necessary for you to have.

When are applications available?

Before completing an application, please verify that you fall within the minimum and maximum income requirements noted on this page.

Applications are available anytime! Call the Clinton County Habitat administration line, 937-655-9484, for more information.  

Download the Habitat for Humanity Housing Application here.

Also, the Family Selection Committee conducts an annual workshop to assist potential partner-families in completing applications for housing. This is held in the middle of July in the Fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church, 840 Timber Glen, Wilmington, OH. Watch the newspapers the week right after the Clinton County Fair for the date of the next workshop.