Home Ownership

A Need for Adequate Housing

• Lack of decent and safe living conditions as defined by the Habitat for Humanity housing evaluation criteria.
• Overcrowded housing conditions.
• Excessive home rental expense. A family should not have to spend more than 30% of their income for housing, not including utilities.
• Applicants must have incomes that are too low to enable them to secure conventional financing from a traditional lending institution.

An Ability to Pay

• The gross annual household income may not exceed 78% of the Maricopa and Pinal County area median income.  The median income figure varies depending on the size of the family.
• Two-year history of stable income
• Monthly long-term debt payments, including estimated mortgage payment, should not exceed 43% of a family’s income.
• An acceptable history of credit.
• Ability to cover closing costs (approximately $4,000).
• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. This applies to all household members.

A Willingness to Partner with Habitat

• Be willing to contribute 200-400 hours of sweat equity towards the building or renovating of Habitat homes (special accommodations may be made available upon request).
• Be willing to live in the neighborhood in which Habitat is currently building and follow city and subdivision regulations.
• Be willing to be a participating member of the Homeowner’s Association (if applicable).
• Attend mandatory workshops for success in homeownership.