Habitat Provides the Opportunity for Families to Become Home Buyers
Our aim is to create an environment of strength, stability, and self-reliance for everyone. Habitat is not a handout—it’s a hand up.
- Zero percent interest mortgage loans keep homes affordable
- Habitat is a nonprofit organization—mortgage payments are used to build more homes
- We build simple, decent, energy-efficient homes with 3 or 4 bedrooms in Saline County
- Many homes are located in Habitat’s Partnership Village, south of downtown Benton
Prepare Yourself to Become a Homeowner
Take steps now to help you qualify for our program and become a successful homeowner:
Check your credit report:Start paying off debts and taking control of your credit score. Free copies are available every year at www.annualcreditreport.com
Volunteer at Habitat:
Learn all you can about the program and meet other families like yours already working toward homeownership
Note: Sweat equity requirements cannot be counted until after acceptance into the homeownership program.
Do You Qualify? Four Factors We Evaluate
When evaluating applications, we carefully consider four key factors:
- Residency:
Current resident of Saline County, or an adjacent county without a Habitat, for at least 6 months - Need for Better Housing:
Income between 40-60% of area median income, living in rundown conditions, or paying too much for rent - Ability to Pay:
Income must be sufficient to pay the monthly mortgage as well as other living expenses - Willingness to Partner:
Commitment to complete sweat equity hours, submit monthly mortgage payments on time, and attend Habitat activities
Working Toward Your Home
Once selected, families begin an exciting journey toward homeownership
Sweat Equity Hours:Each family must complete a minimum of 300 sweat equity hours, plus 150 additional hours per able-bodied adult.
Homeownership Classes:
Attend mandatory classes covering budgeting, home maintenance, and financial planning
Hands-On Experience:
Work on your home and others’ homes, volunteer at the Habitat ReStore and office
Before Construction Starts:
Complete a minimum of 25 hours and deposit $500 prior to the start of construction
1. Attend Meeting
Join an application meeting to learn about the program, ask questions, and understand the requirements.
2. Submit Application
Complete your application with required documents including proof of income and housing need documentation.
3. Home Visit Interview
Meet with Family Support Committee members for a home visit and interview to discuss your housing needs and partnership commitment.