No, Habitat Homes are not free. Homebuyers still need to create a mortgage with us to pay for their homes. But the loans are interest free, their mortgage is never more than 30% of their income, and their Sweat Equity hours cover downpayment costs, so our partner families get a significant discount.

First: Check that you meet our Homebuyer Qualifications. Second: Attend one of our Homeowner Information Sessions and get your program application for this round of selection. Third: Fill out the application with accurate information for your household, collect all necessary documents, and send it to us to review. For more information, please check How to Apply.

Yes, Habitat conducts background checks on all applicants. A criminal history, however, does not automatically disqualify an applicant. Issues that come up in a background check will be handled individually. Credit checks are part of our process, but not all applicants will need to submit one depending on how far their application moves forward. Habitat will verify employment, obtain housing and banking references, and check credit to assess whether Habitat is an appropriate program for the applicant(s).

Please view the Application process page for specifics. We notify each household in a timely manner with any changes or updates regarding their application.

The total cost of the house depends on its fair market value, number of bedrooms, location, and any additional amenities. However, Habitat is committed to keeping housing payments affordable for our qualified homebuyers. Their monthly housing payment, which includes mortgage payment, homeowners’ insurance, and property taxes, will not be more than 30% of their gross monthly household income. We only select homebuyers that can undoubtably afford the home we build with them.

Habitat sells homes at no profit and with 0% (zero percent) interest on the mortgage.

We sell the home without a down payment. Instead, all homeowners must complete 250-600 hours of sweat equity as part of the down payment on their home. Families are, however, expected to save $3,000 - $4,000 to cover some of the closing costs.

Sweat Equity refers to the hands-on involvement of future homeowners in the construction of their homes and in other sanctioned activities. It is designed to meet three important goals of our program: 1) Partnership through providing meaningful interaction between future homeowners, Habitat staff, volunteers, and community members; 2) pride in homeownership; and 3) development of skills and knowledge. Think of it as another way partner families earn their affordable mortgage. They put in the work now so that later they can continue to make payments on their home. All Habitat homebuyers must complete 250-600 hours of sweat equity. These hours may be completed by family members planning to live in the Habitat house and recruited friends and relatives.

We build to code. We build to last. The designs are simple yet functional. We build homes that lower the cost of ownership through improved efficiency: Energy-efficient design Energy-efficient lighting Energy-efficient heating/cooling EnergyStar® appliances Low-emission paints/finishes Recyclable building materials Water-efficient toilets/showerheads