CRITERIA TO QUALIFY

NEED

Current shelter has problems with the heating system, water supply, electricity, bathroom(s), kitchen, structure, etc.
Current shelter has an inadequate number of bedrooms as determined by number, ages and sex of household members.
The current neighborhood is unsafe.
The family is unable to obtain a conventional or government-assisted mortgage loan to purchase a home.
The maximum household gross income is below 80% of the median family income as outlined in the MSHDA Office of Community Development.
Homeowner net worth, including all assets cannot exceed $20,000.00.
Be able to provide closing cost of $2,500.
Demonstrate that your current housing is overcrowded, physically substandard, too expensive, unsafe or prove that you are living in subsidized housing.

ABILITY TO PAY

The household income is at least 25% of the area median income as outlined in the HUD guideline. Applicant must demonstrate the ability to pay a 0% interest mortgage payment (payment will include property taxes and insurance).
Favorable or repairable credit and landlord reference evaluations. All financial judgments must be cleared prior to closing. Payments on bad debts must begin immediately upon signing the letter of acceptance. Applicant debt to income ratio must not exceed 38%.
Applicant must make a minimum down payment of $750.00 and will be responsible for paying one year insurance premium before closing.
Partner family may be responsible for paying closing cost and a down payment based on their income/assets.

WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER

In addition to the applicant understanding and willingly agreeing to the affiliate’s requirement of each adult in the household providing 250 hours of sweat equity on approved Habitat projects prior to obtaining a mortgage.
The qualified applicant will demonstrate an eagerness, understanding and realizations of the program. Families must attend Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University classes and other financial management classes.
Family must demonstrate positive attitude and willingness to communicate effectively with Habitat staff concerns without minimal disruption to the program or operation.
Residency in our GSA is required. The board reserves the right to make decisions to approve candidates outside of our GSA on a case by case basis due to their specific circumstance

Geographical Service Area:

Belleville, Canton, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, Inkster, Lincoln Park, Livonia, New Boston, Northville, Plymouth, Redford, Romulus, Sumpter, Taylor, Van Buren, Wayne and Westland

THE PROCESS

ATTEND INFORMATION SESSION

Information about our program will be presented with opportunities to ask questions.

After the session, you will be provided a list of documents you need to gather in order to submit an

REVIEW APPLICATION

The pre-qualification and new home ownership applications must be completed truthfully, on time, and with all the requested information.

A sexual offender and criminal background check will be conducted. Employment and rental history will be verified.

A member of the Family Selection Committee will contact you to set up a time to visit and conduct an interview with you and your family at your current residence Partner family may be responsible for paying closing cost and a down payment based on their income/assets. (COVID may restrict this process)

APPROVAL CONFIRMATION

The qualified applicant will be presented to the Board of Directors who will make a final decision on a family’s acceptance into the program.

Once accepted into the Homeownership program, the process from acceptance through moving into a home can take 8(eight) months to 2(two) years, depending on available funding, construction schedules, and the future homeowner's progress of completing requirements.

Inevitably, there will be more qualified families than homes available so not all qualified families will be approved.