Habitat Homeownership
Own your own home…working alongside your neighbors
Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity makes the dream of becoming a homeowner come true for qualified low to moderate income working families.
Over the last 30 years in partnership with individuals and families who need safe and affordable housing we have built 25 homes and repaired many more enabling local residents to live in more safe and secure environments.
Habitat Homeownership selection is based on three eligibility criteria:
Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity makes the dream of becoming a homeowner come true for qualified low to moderate income working families.
Over the last 30 years in partnership with individuals and families who need safe and affordable housing we have built 25 homes and repaired many more enabling local residents to live in more safe and secure environments.
Habitat Homeownership selection is based on three eligibility criteria:
- A demonstrated need for housing
- The ability to pay an affordable 3rd party mortgage and the living expenses that are associated with homeownership such as property taxes, homeowner insurance and utilities.
- A willingness to partner with Habitat in the fulfillment of all required responsibilities and in the performance of “sweat equity” volunteer work that includes helping to build your home and other Habitat homes.
Application Process
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
If you’re interested in applying, the process begins when Habitat acquires property for a project. There are a few steps:
The first is to read and understand the detailed eligibility criteria listed below. Then, fill out the Application for Housing and send it and other requested materials to the Family Services Coordinator at the address on the form. A Spanish Language version of the application can be found here.
You must also:
If you’re interested in applying, the process begins when Habitat acquires property for a project. There are a few steps:
The first is to read and understand the detailed eligibility criteria listed below. Then, fill out the Application for Housing and send it and other requested materials to the Family Services Coordinator at the address on the form. A Spanish Language version of the application can be found here.
You must also:
- Meet with Habitat staff to review your application and materials for completeness
- Have a family interview in your home
ELIGIBILITY
Habitat Partner Families are chosen based on evaluation of three criteria:
1. Need for Adequate Housing
You need to currently live in housing which is substandard or a severe cost burden. This could mean overcrowding or unsafe conditions, inadequate heat or sanitary conditions, or severe structural problems. It could also mean that more than 30% of your income goes to housing. In this case, you might qualify even if your current housing is not considered substandard.
2. Ability to Pay
The total applicant household income must include income from all members of the household and must be documented by copies of paystubs, W-2s, benefit letters, etc. Total household income must be enough for the family to be able to make affordable monthly payments, but cannot be below 50% or exceed 75% of the area median income for Columbia County, based on family size. FY 2024 Area Median Income for Columbia County was $106,400
1. Need for Adequate Housing
You need to currently live in housing which is substandard or a severe cost burden. This could mean overcrowding or unsafe conditions, inadequate heat or sanitary conditions, or severe structural problems. It could also mean that more than 30% of your income goes to housing. In this case, you might qualify even if your current housing is not considered substandard.
2. Ability to Pay
The total applicant household income must include income from all members of the household and must be documented by copies of paystubs, W-2s, benefit letters, etc. Total household income must be enough for the family to be able to make affordable monthly payments, but cannot be below 50% or exceed 75% of the area median income for Columbia County, based on family size. FY 2024 Area Median Income for Columbia County was $106,400
Habitat evaluates the financial readiness of each applicant household, but does not use credit scores as criteria. Applicants must pre-qualify for a mortgage equal to 30% of their gross income. A satisfactory credit score is required by the 3rd party mortgage lender.
3. Willingness to Partner
Applicant(s) must be agree to:
- Invest 250-300 hours in “sweat equity” depending on their family size. All families buying Habitat houses around the world help with the building of their own homes. Friends and family members 16 years or older can participate to help to earn hours.
- Attend an approved First-Time Homebuyers course before purchasing a Habitat home.
- Take financial and maintenance responsibility for a Habitat home.
- Submit to a Sex Offender Database Check and a Criminal Background Check as part of the application process.
HOMEOWNER EDUCATION
When you become a Habitat partner family, you’re required to complete first-time home-buyer education classes before home closing. Topics include money management, information about mortgages, how to stay financially fit and tips on home maintenance and safety.
This training program is designed to provide you with the knowledge to be a successful homeowner.
This training program is designed to provide you with the knowledge to be a successful homeowner.
