APPLICATION PROCESS

Think about whether you need flexibility in where you live for the next 10-15 years. Or maybe you’re feeling ready to put down deep roots! Do you like to take care of property like landscaping, fixing plumbing issues, and thinking about routine maintenance tasks? Or would you prefer to just call your property manager or landlord? Not everyone wants to worry about the hassle of managing a property, and that’s ok!

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Step 2: Understanding Application Cycles

So you’ve already signed up for notifications. You’ve read the qualification requirements and decided the program would be a good fit for your family, and you want to partner with us to achieve your goal. Now, you’re just waiting until the application cycle opens up.

Why do we have applications cycles instead of rolling applications?

1. Fair housing laws prohibit us from keeping a waitlist. This gives everyone a fair opportunity to apply for available homes.

2. The prices, sizes, and location of available homes change. Applications take a lot of work to complete and to review, so cycling applications means you are putting in the work for a specific home that you truly want. It also ensures we are qualifying applicants for a specific home they can afford.

3. We build in cycles, so applications can fit into how we manage projects. We usually wait until we have begun construction to open applications. This is because it is easier to predict a completion date. Many things can delay construction projects, like funding availability and obtaining permits. So, we want to make sure we really can build the homes we’re advertising!

4. Neighbors of the same project enter the program at the same time. They get to go through all the steps at the same time and build a sense of community.

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Step 3: The Application

When the application cycle open, it’s time to get your documents together and attend an info session. We will post the schedule of info sessions on this page, and we strongly encourage you to attend one to find out more about the homes we are building and how the program works.

Filling out the Application Packet

The application can feel overwhelming. You’ll need to gather lots of documents and answer a lot of questions. It’s okay to feel daunted; this is a BIG decision! The application package includes many forms and documents, including:

• A self-assessment to determine if you meet our criteria.

• The location of available homes.

• Information about the program and application process.

• The application form, where you’ll outline your information, willingness to partner, current housing need, employment information, financial situation, and authorization to perform a credit check.

Once you have the application in hand, read through it carefully and note the due date.

Next, make sure to go through each question of the application carefully. You’ll see a chart that explains the acceptable income range for the application, by family size.

We also get a lot of questions on credit scores. You do not need a particular credit score to apply. Each application is reviewed holistically, and a “better” credit score will not put your application at an advantage over another qualified applicant. Habitat does, however, look at whether you have a history of on-time payments. That is important in determining whether you will qualify for a mortgage.

What you’ll need to gather

Along with your entire application, each applicant will need to submit:

• Identification for all members of the family

• Proof of income from all sources in the form of paystubs and other supporting documents

• Two years of most recent signed tax returns, W2s and 1099s

• Three months of most recent bank statements for all accounts

• Proof of US residency

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