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What is the first
step toward Habitat home ownership?
The process of home ownership begins by attending an application
meeting. See the Criteria and
Applying page to see if there are meetings scheduled at this
time. You can give us your name, mailing address, and phone number
by email
or call the office 478-328-3388 to receive more information.
The information packet is also online here [link
to pdf info packet]. |
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What happens at the
application meeting?
At the application meeting, volunteers and staff outline the
program and selection process. You complete a written application
and provide required documents (read our information packet for the
list of required documents).
Committee Members conduct an initial review of the application
and ask for any further information you will be required to provide. |
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How does the selection
process work?
The Committee will evaluate your financial eligibility. This
consists of obtaining documentation (see the information packet for
a list of required documents), references, verification forms, and a
credit report to learn about your credit history.
Close attention is paid to outstanding collections, debts, and
any unpaid judgments (judgments must be satisfied before a family
may purchase a home).
The Committee is looking for you to show adequate, reliable
income (see our information packet for criteria and required
documents) to be sure you are ready for the financial responsibility
of home ownership.
If you meet income and financial requirements, there will be a
home visit. Here the Committee is looking for your need for housing
and willingness to be an active partner with Habitat throughout the
program.
The Selection Committee then determines your eligibility and
presents selected families to the Board of Directors for approval
and acceptance. |
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What if my credit report
shows outstanding collections, debt, bankruptcies, judgments, or
liens?
We do not look for perfect credit. We consider your whole picture
and look for applicants who are ready to accept the responsibility
of home ownership.
At the same time, we do not want to put you in a home that you
cannot afford or in a situation where you cannot be a successful
home owner.
For a complete list of requirements, see our
information packet. |
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What can I do to prepare
for applying?
You are highly encouraged to develop a plan of action to resolve
outstanding credit issues.
If you would like to get a head start, you can begin to clean up
your credit report, seek free financial counseling, and attend the
required First Time Home Buyer Class. See the
Other Community Resources
page for contact information. |
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How long does the
process take?
The process from beginning to moving into the home can take from
12 to 24 months or more depending on construction schedules and your
credit situation.
After you have attended an application meeting it takes three to
four months to go through the selection process.
Once approved for the program, you begin earning your Sweat
Equity hours by contributing to the construction on others’ homes
and saving for closing costs. It usually takes over a year to
complete and move into your own new home. |
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What does “need for housing”
mean?
“Need for housing” can mean a few different things. If the
Selection Committee determines any of these apply, you meet this
requirement.
Substandard Housing: Has issues that create health and/or
safety problems (mold, unsafe neighborhood, poor heating or
plumbing, etc.), or too few bedrooms for the number, ages, and
gender of household members.
Temporary Housing: Temporary living arrangements or
transitional/subsidized housing.
Housing that is too expensive: 50% or more of the income
is being spent for total housing costs (rent and necessary
utilities, i.e., water, sewer, trash removal, gas and electricity). |
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What is Sweat Equity?
Sweat Equity is the time and effort you contribute toward the
purchase of you home through the construction of others’ homes as
well as your own. It is a central principle in Habitat’s mission of
building community and partnering with families to provide “not a
hand-out, but a hand-UP!”
Following approval of the selection committee, you must complete
the required number of sweat equity hours, but more important than
the number of hours, is your consistent, active participation on the
jobsite. In fact, most families far exceed the minimum required
numbers of hours (100-150 hours before construction begins on their
own home, 500 hours total before moving into their home). |
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What if I don’t know
anything about construction?
We do not require any previous skills or knowledge. Sweat equity
is an exciting learning experience in which you work with your
family, friends, and community to build other peoples' homes as well
as your own. Working alongside volunteers and future neighbors to
build your home and community is one of the most unique, empowering,
and rewarding aspects of Habitat for Humanity. |
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If I’m denied, can I
reapply?
Absolutely. The Family Selection Committee does their best to
refer you to the tools and resources available to help you improve
your situation.
Some of our homeowner families were denied the first time they
applied due to outstanding collections and debts, income below our
limits, recent bankruptcies, or other issues. They successfully
improved their eligibility, reapplied, and were accepted into the
program. |
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