Qualifying for a Habitat Home:

You will be considered for a Habitat home if your present housing is inadequate, and if you are unable to obtain adequate housing through other conventional means.  Lack of adequate housing may include problems with the present structure; water, electrical or sewage service systems; heating system, or failure to meet city property maintenance standards.  Also taken into consideration are the number, the ages and the gender of children compared to the number of bedrooms in your present home.  The percentage of your monthly income that you currently spend on housing is considered to determine need.  You will be required to openly and fully discuss your financial situation with Habitat personnel.  You and your family will be considered if your annual total income is between 30-50% of the median income for Oakland County.

IMPORTANT GUIDELINES:

    * You must live in sub-standard, inadequate, or over-crowded conditions.
    * You cannot presently own a home.
    * You will need to meet certain income requirements.
    * You must be willing to partner with Habitat in building your home, which involves sweat equity hours.
    * You must be able to pay the monthly mortgage.

NEED FOR HOUSING:

    * Overcrowded housing i.e. more than two children per room, adults sharing room with children, children of opposite sex sharing a room.
    * Substandard housing: Problems with maintenance and repairs.
    * Resident of public housing.
    * Unable to secure adequate housing through the private market.
    * Desire for homeownership.

ABILITY TO PAY:

    * Income Level: Must be stable and supplementary income must be stable and likely to continue.
    * Savings: Family demonstrates the ability to save and budget money.  
    * Savings: Must be able to save $1,000 toward down payment and pay 1 year Homeowner Insurance by closing date.
    * Rental Expense: Family paying market rent or willing to demonstrate the ability to pay market rent.
    * Bankruptcy: May apply two (2) years after bankruptcy has been discharged and good credit has been re-established.
    * Auto debt payments & other outstanding debt payments, along with other expenses, must be manageable within budget.

WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER:

    * History of timely payments and stable work history.
    * No criminal record that poses likely future risk.
    * Understands and is willing to perform 300 hours of sweat-equity.
    * Commitment to the community.
    * Must complete Homebuyer's Seminar and Financial Managment Courses.

There is a $15 non-refundable pre-application fee per applicant.  If you feel you qualify for the Habitat Oakland program, please fill out the Pre-Application Form.  Send or drop off the Pre-Application Form along with your application fee to:  150 Osmun St, Pontiac, MI 48342.

If you would like to learn more about applying for a home, please call Kimberly Donnelly at (248) 338-1843 ext. 25 or email any questions you may have to [ email ].