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APPLYING FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP

Who Can Apply

As active participants in the home building process, eligible Habitat homebuyers are:
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1. In Need of Shelter
   The applicant's current shelter is inadequate because it is either structurally unsound, overcrowded, has unsafe, unsanitary or unhealthy conditions, or the resident is paying more than 50% of household income for housing.
   
   
2. Willing to Partner​
   The applicant agrees to complete 250 hours of "sweat equity" per adult in the household and participate in the partnership program that may include financial counseling and household management education.
   
   
3. Able to Pay an Affordable Mortgage
   The applicant's household income is between 30% and 80% of the area’s median income based on household size (2023 numbers below).  For a 20-30 year mortgage, a homeowner’s monthly housing expenses may be approximately $500 to $800 a month (includes mortgage payment, home insurance, and property taxes). 
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4. ​Resident or Working in Washington or Orange Counties
   Qualified applicant must live or work in Washington or Orange counties.
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How to Apply

1. Sign Up to Receive Notifications
   Use our mailing list form at the bottom of this page to sign up!
   When the application process opens up - typically in the spring - look out for invitations to informational sessions about our homeowner application process.
   
   
2. Submit a Completed Application
   As part of these informal sessions, you will receive instructions on how to submit your application to Downstreet Housing and Community Development. Remember to sign up for notifications!
   
   
3. Financial Eligibility Check
   Downstreet Housing and Community Development will contact us at CVHFH if you are financially eligible to purchase a home.
   
   
4. Employment and Income Verification
   A CVHFH Homeowner Selection Committee member will contact you to verify your employment and sources of income, as well as to schedule a home visit to determine the need for housing. 
   
   
5. Application Review and Notification of Decision
   The CVHFH Homeowner Selection Committee will review all applications and determine who our next partner homeowners will be. The committee's decision is based on who is the most in need of better housing. All applicants will receive a notification of their eligibility status.

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