Homeownership

Some general guidelines to become a Habitat homeowner/partner are as follows:

Residency:
You must be living in Alachua County and have lived here for the past 12 months or longer.

Need for Adequate Shelter:
Homeowner must prove that their current shelter is in serious disrepair, has an inadequate number of bedrooms as determined by number, ages and gender of household members, or current neighborhood is unsuitable, unsafe or unsanitary.

Ability to Pay for a Habitat Home:
Qualifying families must have a minimum household gross income of $2,300 per month for up to four people. For every additional person, the minimum increases. The income may come from employment, SS, SSI, child support or any combination. The family must have the ability to make monthly house payments along with their current debts and monthly expenses. Consumer Credit Counseling Services, Inc. recommends that no more than 25-30% of a family’s total income should be spent on housing.

The family must have a satisfactory credit history and references. A family selected for a Habitat home will need a total of $750 at closing to pay the $500 down payment and $250 toward the first year’s insurance and taxes. In addition, the family may need to save around $400 for utility, telephone and cable hookups.

Willingness to Partner with Habitat:
The family must complete 400 hours of “sweat equity” before closing; 200 hours to be completed prior to lot selection and house plan approval. The family must participate in Habitat’s nurturing program that includes financial counseling and household management education. The family must be committed to maintaining their home in good condition. In addition, Alachua Habitat for Humanity policy dictates that after occupancy, homeowners must participate in the Homeowner’s Association so they can continue to be a part of Habitat.

Potential homeowners are urged to call the office at 352-378-4663 to begin the application process. Once the proper information is received, applicants will be placed on the “PIP” list to be reviewed by the Family Selection Committee.

If you do not fill out the application completely and/or provide all documents requested your application will be delayed until these items are completed.

Habitat does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, gender, familial status, national origin or disability.