Applying for a Home

No. Habitat for Humanity doesn’t simply give away houses, they offer a path to affordable homeownership through a combination of community support, volunteer labor, and low-cost financing.

Here’s how it generally works:

1. Application Process: Families or individuals in need of housing apply to their local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. These applicants are often low-income individuals or families who would not qualify for traditional mortgages. 
2. Selection Process: Habitat evaluates these applications based on their level of need, willingness to partner, and ability to pay a no-profit, low interest mortgage. They also consider whether the applicant can put in “sweat equity.”
3. Sweat Equity: Along with a minimal down payment, approved applicants contribute “sweat equity” by working on Habitat projects, including the construction of their own home and the homes of others. This involvement helps keep costs down and fosters a sense of ownership and community.
4. Affordable Mortgage: Once the house is built or renovated, the family or individual receives an affordable mortgage provided by Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity. These mortgages have low interest, and the monthly payments go back into funding more Habitat projects.

Habitat for Humanity is not an immediate solution or a “quick fix” and does not provide emergency assistance. If you are accepted into our program, it can take 2 years or more to complete the program before moving into a home.

The first phase of the process begins with completing a pre-application.

Our program process entails 4 different stages:

• First, pre-applications are submitted online and reviewed.
• If the pre-application meets our qualifications, we will send you a full application to fill out and submit within 30 days of receiving. 
• Once we receive your application, it will be thoroughly reviewed (with a response sent to you within 30 days)
• If you are accepted into the program, our Family Support Team will conduct a final review and approved applicants will receive a notice of approval.

The timeline for moving into a Habitat home can vary depending on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the homeowner, the availability of housing units, the construction schedule, and the policies of the Fox Valley Habitat affiliate. Here is a general overview of the typical timeline:

1. Application and Selection Process: Prospective homeowners must submit an application, provide documentation, undergo interviews, and meet eligibility criteria. The Family Support Team then reviews applications and selects homeowners based on established criteria.
2. Home Construction or Renovation: Once selected, Habitat homeowners may need to wait for their home to be constructed or renovated. Fox Valley Habitat relies on volunteers, donations, and community partnerships to build homes, so the construction timeline can vary depending on factors such as weather, volunteer availability, and funding.
3. Sweat Equity and Homeownership Education: During the construction phase, Habitat homeowners are required to complete sweat equity hours by volunteering on a Fox valley Habitat construction site or participating in other approved activities. They also need to attend homeownership education classes to prepare for the responsibilities of homeownership.
4. Mortgage Approval and Closing: Habitat homeownership involves securing a low interest mortgage from Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity. The mortgage approval process can take several weeks to complete, including income verification, credit checks, and documentation review. Once approved, homeowners attend a closing meeting to sign the necessary paperwork and finalize the purchase of their home.
5. Move-In: After closing on the home, Habitat homeowners can typically move in once any remaining construction or renovation work is completed, utilities are connected, and final inspections are passed. This usually occurs within a few weeks to a couple of months after closing, depending on the specific circumstances.

Overall, the process of moving into a Habitat for Humanity home can take anywhere from several months up to 3 years. It’s essential for prospective homeowners to stay in close communication with their Habitat affiliate and follow the necessary steps to progress through the homeownership process efficiently.

Construction expenses for Habitat homes are lowered by volunteer labor, contributions from home sponsors, and tax-deductible monetary and material donations from individuals and organizations. This significantly reduces the overall cost making Habitat homes more accessible and affordable.

Habitat first-time homebuyer mortgages are set to no more than 30% of the applicants gross income at the time of purchase. 

Yes. Applicant(s) must be a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident.

• Completed homeowner application 
• Copy of driver’s license or state-issued photo ID from all applicants
• Copy of current rental agreement or lease
• Copy of bank statements for last 2 months
• Copy of last 2 months of utilities, phone bill, etc.
• Copies of paycheck stubs for past two months
• Copies of W-2 forms and tax returns for for the last 2 years
• Copy of Social Security and/or Disability benefits documents (if applicable)
• Copy of alimony and/or child support documents (if applicable)
• Copies of documents for any other regular income received (if applicable) 

Additional documents may apply. 

Yes. Applicants are eligible to apply 1 year from the denial date. Your denial letter will provide any specifics on criteria not met and we encourage applicants to utilize resources to improve their financial situation. 

Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity homeowners do not have the ability to select a specific location for their home. Fox Valley Habitat typically acquires land or properties based on availability, affordability, and our organization’s overall mission and goals. The specific location of Habitat homes is determined by our land acquisition process and any partnerships we may have with government agencies, developers, or other organizations.

However, we may be able to take into consideration the preferences or needs of homeowners when selecting building sites. For example, we may consider factors such as proximity to schools, public transportation, employment opportunities, or community amenities. Additionally, Fox Valley Habitat strives to build homes in safe, stable neighborhoods that offer opportunities for homeowners to thrive.

The location of Habitat homes is determined by a variety of factors, including land availability, affordability, family needs, and the mission of Fox Valley Habitat to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for our partnering families.

At Habitat, sweat equity is a new homeowner investing in their home or one for another family. It’s not a form of payment, but an opportunity to work alongside volunteers to bring to life a family’s dream of owning a home.

Friends and family may also help a Habitat homebuyer by volunteering with Habitat and donating their hours towards fulfilling a portion of their sweat equity requirements.

Sweat equity provides meaningful interaction between homebuyers, Habitat volunteers and staff, community members and future neighbors. As families work on their own homes, they begin to develop a sense of pride. Habitat homebuyers invest their time and energy into their homes, and witness the work of others on their behalf. While assisting in the building of their homes, homebuyers gain an understanding of the construction of their home and how to maintain it.

Yes. Habitat homes must be owner-occupied and cannot be rented out. If you choose to sell your home during the life of the loan, Fox Valley Habitat has a first right of refusal, and must be offered the opportunity to purchase the home. After a homeowner has fully paid off the mortgage, these restrictions are removed.