HOMEOWNERSHIP

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Habitat homeowner!

We believe that everyone should have a safe, affordable place to call home. To carry out our vision, we partner with individuals and families from application through construction to when the keys are handed over. By working with us from beginning to end, we can help prospective individuals prepare for the various responsibilities of homeownership, including learning about personal finances, mortgages, maintenance and upkeep of homes, and much more.

Habitat’s path to homeownership is an important and in-depth process, requiring hard work, time and dedication. But this helps to ensure the long-term success of Habitat homeowners.

Please note, while we would love to help as many people as possible, only a limited number of applicants will be accepted into our program.

Application & Requirements

how families are chosen

NEED

You do not already own a home

You are currently living in substandard housing which would include any of the following conditions:

Home is in poor physical condition
Home is overcrowded
Rent is subsidized
Rent is more than 30% of income
Your household gross income falls within our income limits

Ability to Pay

You have proof of at least 2 years of steady, verifiable income
You do not have any judgments or liens against you
You do not have excessive debt or any collections
You pay your rent on time

Willingness to Partner

Contribute “sweat equity” hours
Attend Habitat homeowner training workshops
Pay $4,000 toward closing costs

Basic Requirements

You must have lived or worked in South Sarasota County affiliate boundary for the past 12 months, i.e., Osprey, Laurel, Nokomis, Venice, North Port or the Sarasota County side of Englewood.
You must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien.
If married, you must apply with your spouse.
You must have 2 years of verifiable income and the ability to repay the mortgage.
You must wait 3 years after foreclosure or bankruptcy has been finalized.
Your household gross income must fall within our income limits. Contact our office for more information.
You cannot have more than a 40% total debt ratio which includes your new mortgage payment.