Homeowner Qualifications
Sauk-Columbia Habitat for Humanity looks at three distinct areas of
selection criteria when reviewing potential homeowner partners:
- Your family’s actual housing need based on the suitability
of your current shelter.
- Your current income and ability to pay for Habitat house.
- Your willingness to participate as a “Partner” with Habitat.
Current Housing
Representatives from the Family Selection Committee will
assess your current housing to determine if the living conditions are
substandard. This is based on the physical condition of the home and the size of
the home relative to the size and makeup of your family.
Ability to Pay
Since you will actually 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 the payment for real estate
taxes and insurance. We will help you to determine if this payment will
jeopardize your ability to meet all 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. To become a “partner family” you must complete 350 hours of volunteer
work with Habitat, which will count toward your “sweat equity” contribution to
be complete before and after becoming a homeowner. 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 office. As a partner family, you must
complete 350 hours of sweat equity. Your family can receive credit for up to 75
hours by applying time put in on your behalf by friends and relatives who join
in the work.
- The Family Support Committee will maintain an on-going relationship with you.
This includes financial counseling and household maintenance education.
- You will be responsible for the maintenance and repairs of your house from the
time you move into your home.
Are You Interested?
Contact
Jim Schmiedlin at (608) 592-3234 or at
jschmiedlin@hfhsca.org
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