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Apply to Become a Homeowner

Habitat Homeownership Process

Hoping to own a home? Habitat provides you with the support to be successful in your Habitat home-buying journey. We can help you buy a home you love with a mortgage you can afford.

Step 1: Review our Program Qualifications​

Qualifications​

To be eligible for Habitat's Homeownership Program, you must be:

Able to Pay an Affordable Mortgage

Willing to Partner

  • Our homebuyers must put in 250 sweat-equity hours, helping to build their own home and the homes of others in the homeownership program, and volunteer at the ReStore.

  • Attend financial and homeownership education classes.

  • Be willing to accept a lot for construction from one Habitat has available.

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Show a Need for Adequate Housing (Some examples of need listed below)

  • Living in overcrowded housing conditions.

  • Structural/mechanical problems in the home.

  • unhealthy, unsanitary conditions, or health risks.

  • Unaffordable rent exceeds a third of monthly household income.

  • Temporary housing such as living with family or friends.
     

Applicants must also:

  • Have legal U.S. Residency status.

  • Have resided or worked in Elkhart County the previous year.

* Criminal history does not automatically disqualify applicants from this program.​

Step 2: Required Qualifications​

Do you have legal U.S. Residency Status
I have lived or worked in Elkhart County for the past 12 months.
I meet the income guidelines.
I have filed taxes for the past 3 years.

I have read the above information, and I meet the required qualifications.

Thanks for submitting!
Please look for an email from Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County for the next steps.

Step 3: Watch Video​

You will receive an email from Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County with a link to watch a video. It is a requirement for you to watch the video in its entirety. Once you have watched the video, you can download the application. The application link will be in the same email as the video link.

Step 4: Application​

You will be asked to download and complete the application.  The next step is to call our office at 574-533-6109 and schedule a meeting with our Family Services team. Our team will accept applications beginning Friday, September 1 at noon, through 12 noon on Friday, September 22.. You must have an appointment to turn in your application.
 

You will need to bring copies of the following to your appointment:

  • Last 2 months of paystubs (applicant and co-applicant, if applicable).

  • Last 6 months of bank statements. Printouts from online banking are acceptable.

  • Last 12 months of rental receipts or rental ledger.

  • Divorce Decree if applicable.

  • Proof of Bankruptcy discharge if applicable.

  • Most recent utility bills (unless included in rent).

  • Drivers' License & Social Security Card or Proof of US Residency.

  • Birth Certificate and Social Security Cards for ALL family members.

  • Verification of Social Security/Disability if applicable.

  • Verification of Student Loan Payment/Status (even if in forbearance).

  • Verification of Food Stamps/TANF/AFDC.

  • Verification of Child Support Income - if claiming.

  • Last 3 years of W-2s and Declaration of Electronic Filing page.

  • Last 3 years of Federal Tax Transcripts - available at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript or by calling
    1-800-829-1040 (takes 5-10 days).

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