Selection Process
There are three important areas that are considered in the qualification and selection process for Habitat for Humanity partner families:
Need
Ability to pay for the new house
Willingness to participate
The first step in the process to becoming a Partner Family is to complete an application. To receive an application in the mail, please call or email the Greater Charlottesville office and ask that your name be added to the mailing list. Be sure you explain that you are interested in Greene County. Application packets are sent out in February, May, August and November. You will be asked to fill out the application and return it along with $5.00 for each applicant and co-applicant, which will cover the cost of obtaining a credit report. Once we have determined that you meet our basic criteria, we will be in touch to arrange a one-on-one interview to discuss in more detail how Habitat works, your financial situation and answer any questions you may have.
Need
You will be considered for a Habitat home if your present housing is not adequate, and if you are unable to obtain adequate housing through other conventional means. Your current housing may be considered inadequate due to homelessness, overcrowding, structural problems with the roof, plumbing, electric or heating. Those paying too much in rent, living in a high crime neighborhood or receiving rental assistance will also be considered. 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 a Habitat interviewer. You and your family will be considered if your total income is over 25% of the area median family income but would not qualify for a FHA or other conventional loan. And, finally, you must have lived or worked in Greene County for at least one year prior to application.
Ability to Pay for the New House
Since you will be buying your home from Habitat, you must demonstrate your ability to pay the monthly mortgage payment. This payment will include not only the mortgage payment, but also the payment for real estate taxes and insurance. We will help you to determine if this payment will jeopardize your ability to meet all of your other family financial obligations and expenses. We can also help you if you need to develop a budget to determine your eligibility.
Willingness to Participate as a Partner with Habitat
When selected, you become a "partner family" in the Habitat movement. As a "partner family," you must complete a certain number of hours of volunteer work with Habitat, which will count toward your total "sweat equity" contribution to be completed before becoming a homeowner. (At least 200 hours for the first adult in the household and an additional 100 hours for each additional adult in the household.) Your assistance in constructing your home and the homes of others is called "sweat equity," and may include clearing the lot, painting, helping with construction, providing food for volunteers or working in the Habitat store or office.
You will attend a Homebuyer's Club after being accepted to prepare yourself financially for homeownership.
You will be required to attend a Homebuyer's Club after being accepted to prepare yourself financially for homeownership.
After moving into your home, the Family Support Committee will maintain an on-going relationship with you. This includes financial counseling and household maintenance education. You will partner with a Family Support Advocate who will help you make a smooth transition to homeownership.
What Habitat for Humanity will do if you are selected to become a Partner Family
Provide volunteer labor for the construction of the house.
Provide you with a NO interest mortgage. This mortgage payment will be constructed to be manageable for your financial situation at the time of closing.
Refer you to financial counseling which will enable you to provide for your family and ensure that you can repay the mortgage.
Provide a Family Advocate to work with you and to make sure that any concerns you have regarding the building of your house are fully understood by Habitat.
Your Obligations to Habitat for Humanity if you are Selected as a Partner Family
Habitat Partner Families must contribute to the building of other HFH partner family homes as well as their own. At least 200 hours of "sweat equity" is required for the applicant plus 100 hours for each additional adult who will be living in the house.
You must have saved $1250 by the time of closing.
You must attend meetings of the Albemarle County Homebuyers Club (if you live in Albemarle/Charlottesville). If you live in another county, you must meet regularly with the Housing Counselor of the Fluvanna/Louisa Housing Foundation.
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