Homeowner Information

   How long does it take to become a Habitat homeowner? 

It depends on how fast Habitat can find sponsors to provide volunteers and financial support.  Usually, the application process takes about four months, preparing for the build takes about five to nine months, and construction takes about four months.  Sometimes, each step takes more time.  

   What does a Habitat home look like?   

It is a simple, decent, wood-frame house with vinyl siding, a covered porch, insulated aluminum windows, a storage shed, and concrete driveway.  Habitat uses all new, good quality construction materials.  The construction work is done by licensed subcontractors, many volunteers, and you -- all working together in partnership. 

   How much does the average family have to pay for a Habitat home?   

It depends on the cost of the land, building materials, sub-contractors, permits, etc.  Habitat does not make a profit on the sale and does not charge interest, but every Habitat home-owner must make monthly mortgage payments for about 20 years.  The monthly payment (including escrow for taxes and homeowners insurance)  for Habitat houses to be built in 2010 will probably be between $400 and $600, but it could be higher.

   What are the initial requirements for 2010?   

You must be old enough to sign mortgage documents, you must have lived or worked in Lake or Sumter County for at least the last six months, you must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency status, and you must meet our income guidelines.  No one in your household can be listed on a sexual offenders’ registry or have a conviction within the last two years, or pending criminal charges, for a drug-related felony.  If you are married, your spouse must also apply.   

   What are the income guidelines for 2012?       

The guidelines for the minimum and maximum gross yearly household income depends upon household size and the county of residency.    

        Here are some of the things you must do  

 

 

 There are 3 Criteria for Family Partnership   

What other factors will the Family Selection Committee consider?  

 

NEED:  Your present home must be substandard, unsafe, unhealthy, or over-crowded.

ABILITY TO PAY: You must have sufficient income to make monthly house payments and maintain a house.  You must be able to make these payments on time.  Also you must be unable to obtain a mortgage from a bank or other lending institution.  Before groundbreaking, Habitat will re-evaluate your ability to pay the mortage to insure you are still in compliance.

WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER:  You must be honest in all your dealings with Habitat and you must be willing to work with our employees and volunteers to do all that is necessary to become a successful homeowner.  This will include "sweat equity" which are hours you and your family will put in on other Habitat projects and your own home.

 

Check out                 Family Pre-Application