How to Apply
HOW TO APPLY
Please complete the Application Inquiry form for begin the application process.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office toll free at 866-749-8910.
HOME OWNERSHIP
Don't qualify for a regular mortgage?
Do you have a strong desire to own your own home?
Would you like to partner with North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity to build your own home?
If you would like an application to become a Habitat Homeowner, read through our list of frequently asked questions first. If you feel you qualify, the instructions on how to apply are at the bottom of this page.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the Basic Requirements for Home Ownership?
If I Qualify, how long does the Process take?
Where are Habitat Homes Built?
What is my Responsibility to Habitat?
How much does a Habitat for Humanity House Cost to Buy?
What else should I be aware of?
Is Habitat for Humanity an Equal Opportunity Lender?
What are the Basic Requirements for Home Ownership?
- Applicants must live or work in North St. Louis County for at least six months.
- Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident.
What is a family? For our homeownership program, we define a family as at least one person.
Our family selection committee looks at 3 factors when deciding who qualifies for a Habitat home. Those 3 factors are:
Ability to Pay
Must show an ability to pay, including:
- Stable family income of approximately $24,000 a year where monthly income covers expenses.
- Manageable debt and responsible credit.
- Applicant's total income does not exceed 60% of the areas's median income, listed below. Some exceptions may apply. 60% Median Income Guidelines
| Number In Family | Income Cannot Exceed |
|---|---|
| 1 | $35,880 |
| 2 | $40,980 |
| 3 | $46,080 |
| 4 | $51,180 |
| 5 | $55,320 |
| 6 | $59,400 |
| 7 | $63,400 |
| 8 | $67,560 |
Partnership
Willingness to partner with Habitat:
- Initiate and follow through the application process
- Work a minimum of 200 hours of "sweat equity" per adult family member and recruit an additional 100 hours from friends and family
- Attend educational homeownership classes
- Willingness to build community with Habitat and their neighbors
Need
Must demonstrate a housing need, such as:
- Many repairs needed,
- High heating costs,
- Overcrowding,
- Unsafe structure,
- High rent compared to income,
- Non-accessible to a family member,
- Current housing does not meet the needs of occupant(s),
- and Unable to get conventional financing
If I Qualify, how long does the Process take?
It can take from 6 months to 2 years for a family to actually move into their house. There are many factors than can affect how quickly your home will be completed, and Habitat makes no guarantees of when construction will be completed.
Where are Habitat Homes Built?
We build on city lots that have sewer and water available to keep the homes affordable. We try to offer the family a choice of towns, but no guarantees of location can be made.
What is my Responsibility to Habitat?
In addition to the sweat equity commitment , selected families are encouraged to attend maintenance or repair classes offered through the local community education. Budget and/or credit counseling is required for Habitat partner families. Families are also required to attend a monthly meeting with the Family Support Committee from the time they are selected until the completion of their home.
Habitat for Humanity raises much of its funds through publicity throughout the community. To raise community awareness, Habitat homeowners are asked to participate in fund-raisers, newspaper or TV coverage, and photographs. This is necessary to maintain community involvement, but every effort is made to make the experience comfortable for the family.
After moving in, families are expected to make monthly mortgage payments on time and keep the house and yard well maintained. Homeowners are totally responsible for their property and monthly utility bills.
Yes, just like other homebuyers you will have a mortgage. Habitat for Humanity sells you the house at no profit and with an affordable monthly payment. The length of the mortgage is up to 30 years.
Habitat for Humanity is an equal housing lender, and does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, family status, age, or disability.
How much does a Habitat for Humanity House Cost to Buy?
Payments vary depending on the house, the year it is built in and the family's income. The value of a Habitat home is determined by a professional appraisal. The first mortgage price is set by the Habitat board each year. For the 2019 building season a 3 bedroom 1,100 square foot home cost is approximately $117,320. Typically, the difference between the appraised price and the first mortgage amount is captured in a second mortgage. This second mortgage is forgiven after 30 years. As an example, a Habitat mortgage payment could be between $450 and $700 which includes the principal payment, property taxes and insurance.
Home size is determined by family size. Two children of the same sex would share a bedroom. A family with a mom and dad, two girls and one boy would build a 3 bedroom home. A family with a mom and dad, three girls and one boy would build a 4 bedroom home.
Yes, $1,000 towards closing cost is due before closing on the house. Homeowners also pay for their first years home insurance at the time they move into their homes.
What else should I be aware of?
For each HFH home built or renovated, this affiliate supplies funds to build a corresponding home in Mexico.
North St Louis County Habitat for Humanity is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses, so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which every person can experience God’s love and can live and grow into all that God intends.
Is Habitat for Humanity an Equal Opportunity Lender?
Yes. Habitat for Humanity is an equal housing lender, and does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, age, or disability.
If you believe you meet North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity's criteria for family selection, and you are interested in applying, then you should complete the application inquiry form above.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office toll free at 866-749-8910.
North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity is an equal housing lender, and does not discrimiante based on race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, age, or disability.