Become a Habitat for Humanity Homeowner
Habitat for Humanity is not accepting applications for homeownership at this time. We anticipate re opening the application in the first half of 2025.
Build Brighter Futures
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Thank you for your interest in becoming a Habitat homeowner. We believe that everyone should have a safe, affordable place to call home.
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To carry out our vision, we partner with individuals and families from the application through construction to when the keys are handed over. By working with Habitat from beginning to end, we can help prospective individuals prepare for the various responsibilities of homeownership, including learning about personal finances, mortgages, maintenance, upkeep of homes, and much more.
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Habitat’s path to homeownership is an important and in-depth process, requiring hard work, time and dedication. This helps to ensure the long-term success of Habitat homeowners.
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Habitat homebuyers pay 29% of their gross income in a monthly mortgage payment.
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Habitat houses are modestly sized. They are large enough for the homebuyer's needs, but small enough to keep construction and maintenance costs affordable. Habitat for Humanity uses quality, locally available building materials. Habitat home designs reflect the local climate and culture.
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Do I Qualify?
To qualify for a Habitat for Humanity home you must:
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1. Live or work in York County, Maine for at least a year.
2. Fall within the income guidelines based on your household size.
3. Being willing to complete 200-400 hours of sweat equity on the build site or at the Kennebunk Restore.
4. Have a need for safe and affordable housing.
5. Have a minimum of $1,000 in savings
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*if you currently own a home you are not eligible to purchase a Habitat for Humanity home
*Debt to Income: Habitat for Humanity partner families must have a debt to income ratio 14% or under.
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How to Apply
1. Watch the informational video and include the code from the video on your application.
2. Complete the application in its entirety.
3. Include proof of all household income (2 months of your most recent pay stubs, proof of SSI, child support, Section 8, SNAP, HEAP, SSI, and any other supplemental income received).
4. Include bank statements for checking and saving accounts for the past 2 months. If there are two applicants, Habitat will need statements from both applicants.
5. Include payment for a credit check, checks and money orders should be made out to Habitat for Humanity York County. $25 for a single head of household, $50 for two heads of household.
Informational Video 2024
Income Guidelines
Household Size
1
2
3
4
5
6
Minimum Household Income
$44,000
$44,000
$44,000
$48,937
$52,875
$56,781
Maximum Household Income
$59,850
$68,400
$76,950
$85,500
$92,350
$99,200
Credit Check
If your household qualifies for a Habitat home Habitat will ask for a minimal fee to run a credit report for the head(s) of household. $50 for two heads of household, $25 for one head of households. Habitat looks at credit history during the application process. Your debt to income ratio, charge offs, and other credit factors will be reviewed.
Debt to Income: Habitat for Humanity partner families must have a debt to income ratio 14% or under.
Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is the measure of how much of your monthly income goes to paying debt, including housing costs, loans and credit card payments. To calculate your DTI, divide your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income.
Willingness to Partner
Every Habitat homeowner is a partner in Habitat's mission. Homebuyers agree to the following partnership commitments:
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Household willing to perform minimum of 400 Sweat Equity hours for two applicants, 200 hours for single applicant.
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Completion of required homebuyer education course
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Timely communication during the application process
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Pay monthly mortgage on time without default
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Be respectful neighbors and community members
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Maintain the home and property in good order and appearance
Participate in Habitat events and media requests
Application Process
1.
Phase 1 Application
Complete the phase 1 application, provide proof of income and money for the credit report
2.
Committee Review
The family selection committee reviews the income and credit application. Applicants will either move to the next step of the process or will be sent a denial letter.
3.
Phase 2 Application
Applicants invited to continue the application process are invited to fill out the phase 2 application. Applicants will attend an in person meeting and review documents with a member of the family selection committee.
4.
Home Visit
A home visit is schedule to determine the need for housing and willingness to partner with Habitat.
5.
Final Committee Review
The committee will review all qualified applications. Using a comparative points system a partner family will be selected. Applicants might be asked to create a household budget.
6.
Board Review
The selected applicant's information will be presented to the Board of Directors for final review and approval. If approved the applicant becomes a Partner Family.
Applicants not initially selected may reapply again. All information is considered confidential, and is to be used only for the purpose of selecting qualified families for homeownership.