Requirements

To be considered for selection as a Habitat for Humanity home buyer in Kalamazoo County, applicants must meet these criteria:

1. Need (at least one of these conditions must be present)

  • Paying more than 30% of gross monthly income for rent.
  • Current shelter presents problems with heating, water, electricity or maintenance. Physical environment is inaccessible or hazardous.
  • Insufficient number and size of bedrooms as determined by the number of people in the household, as well as the age and gender of household members. (For example, girls and boys sharing a bedroom or adolescent children sharing a bedroom with young children or babies.)
  • Living in transitional housing (staying with friends or relatives, etc.)
  • Lack of personal and financial resources to buy or build adequate shelter or inability to qualify for a VA, FHA, conventional or government loan.

2. Ability to Pay (all requirements must be met)

  • Meet annual income guidelines for Kalamazoo County adjusted for family size.
  • Stable employment or other income for 3 months or more (must have passed probation period on job). Previous jobs must be in the same line of work.
  • Sufficient income to afford house payment, insurance and taxes. Homeowners must also pay utilities, water, sewer, waste removal, home maintenance and repairs.
  • Ability to pay a down payment of $700 at closing (a one time expense).
  • Must not have owned a home within the last year.
  • Existing long-term debt is 38% or less of gross monthly income.
  • Be a documented worker in the United States.
  • Acceptable credit history. Bankruptcies must be discharged for 2 years. Judgments must be less than $500 in total. Collections/Delinquency debt must not exceed $1,500 (including medical and student loans) in total.

NOTE: Household income may be affected by home ownership. Example: Rent subsidies and public assistance payments may cease if you own a home.

3. Willingness to Partner with Habitat

Partner requirements:

  • Develop a long-term partnership with Habitat.
  • Sweat equity requirement: 400 - 550 hours of volunteer service based upon adult members in household.
  • Habitat's available properties, house plans and design criteria.
  • Financial responsibility of home maintenance and care.
  • Importance of timely monthly payments without default.
  • Expectations reviewed at the New Partner Orientation.
  • Application requirements readily fulfilled.
  • Willing participation in home visit during application process.
  • Complete homeowner budget and financial literacy classes
  • Attendance and participation in homeowner maintenance classes.
  • Willing to participate in Habitat functions in the community.
  • Willing to work regularly with volunteers and other home buyers.
  • Get involved with Habitat events in the community.
  • Take an active role in building Habitat homes.
  • Work regularly with other home buyers and volunteers.
  • Make a commitment. It can take 12-18 months to complete program requirements before purchasing a Habitat home.

Selection

The KVHH Family Selection Committee selects home buyers to match Habitat's annual home production schedule. Completing the home buyer program from application to purchase of a home may take 12 - 18 months or longer.

equal housing logoAll applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic or religous background, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, height, weight or disability.