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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.

Step 4: Application​

You will be asked to download and complete the application. The next step is to schedule a meeting with our Family Services Department by calling 574-533-6109.

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 Foof 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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