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QUALIFICATIONS & APPLICATION INFO

Mother Daughter Portrait

Individuals and families who are interested in applying for the Habitat homebuying program must meet a number of requirements, which fall into three categories - NEED, PARTNER and PAY.

Screwdriver Set

NEED

Hammer

PARTNER

Paint Brush

PAY

Be eligible for the need

Applicants must demonstrate a current need for safe, affordable housing. Housing needs may include:

  • Substandard living conditions (such as structural issues, mold, or pest problems)

  • Overcrowding (too many people in one bedroom or using non-bedroom spaces for sleeping)

  • Unstable housing (temporarily staying with friends, relatives, or others)

  • Cost burden (spending more than 30% of household income on rent)

Be willing and able to pay

Families must have stable, verifiable income that can support a monthly mortgage payment and other household expenses, and must fall within the program’s income guidelines. Habitat serves households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Madison County. These guidelines are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are updated each year. Meeting the income guidelines does not guarantee eligibilityfor the program.

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# Living in Home

Max Gross Household Income

*As of 6/5/24; subject to HUD AMI guideline changes and other program requirements.

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Family Size    Gross Yearly Income 

 1 person        $21,120 - $42,200 

 2 people        $24,080 - $48,200 

 3 people        $27,120 - $54,250

 4 people        $30,120 - $60,250

 5 people        $32,560 - $65,100

 6 people        $34,960 - $69,900

 7 people        $37,360 - $74,750

 8 people        $39,760 - $79,550

Be willing to partner

Program Participation Requirements

Selected homebuyers will be asked to:

  • Complete partnership hours (200–400 hours depending on household size) by volunteering on Habitat build sites, at the Habitat ReStore, or with approved community partners. Up to 30% of hours may be contributed by family or friends, and all hours must be completed at least one month before closing.

  • Contribute $2,000 toward closing costs, which may be paid in installments.

  • Participate in homebuyer education classes to prepare for successful homeownership.

  • Maintain or improve their debt-to-income ratio while participating in the program.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must also meet the following criteria:

  • First-time homebuyer, meaning you have never owned a home or have not owned one within the past three years

  • No foreclosure within the past four years

  • Unable to qualify for a conventional mortgage due to income level

  • Ability to afford monthly housing payments and other household expenses

  • Fair or passable credit, with no outstanding judgments or liens

  • Debt-to-income ratio below 41%

  • No Chapter 13 bankruptcy within the past 12 months and no Chapter 7 bankruptcy within the past two years

  • Re-established credit following any previous bankruptcy

Building a House

APPLY

Our application period is now closed.

Click below to learn more!

 

Please click on application information below to learn more.

(Note: Income limits may update during this timeframe thereby affecting eligibility. Please scroll up to view the most up-to-date income limits.)

Application fee $40

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Please email homebuyer@jacksonhabitat.com for more information.

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