Frequently Asked Questions

PATH TO HOMEOWNERSHIP

At this time housing applications are not available. Please check back soon.

Put My Name on the Contact List

We believe that EVERY person deserves a safe, decent, and affordable place to live.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must meet our three principal criteria listed below:

the need for housing

Applicants must not already own a home and currently have a housing need such as:

Your rent is not affordable (a.k.a. - You're currently paying more than 30% of your income toward housing.)

You are living in poorly made, unhealthy, or inadequate housing.

Living in housing that is over crowded or inaccessible for your disabilities.

Being homeowners has been one of the most life changing events for our family. We have raised our kids to love our home in a way that is just so special. They forever see our home as their safe space and forever a gift from habitat. This is our place to learn and grow and live together.

Elizabeth M.

Shirley, NY

the ability to pay

Applicants must have:

Total household income within HUD income guidelines according to family size.

Two years history of steady income

Credit without liens, judgments, foreclosures or recent bankruptcies.

Ability to qualify for an affordable mortgage with a licensed lending institution.

Habitat home ownership has provided security and peace of mind that I never imagined as a single mother raising 3 children. This program has made it possible for me get my Master's Degree AND be able to afford my monthly mortgage. Thank you Habitat Family.

Khadija Y.

Bellport, NY

the willingness to partner

Applicants must demonstrate the willingness to complete all 300 hours of "Sweat Equity" and partnership requirements before being able to purchase the house once finished, including:

Contributing 210 hours helping to build their future home, and homes for others in the program.

Completing Financial preparation & education; First Time Home Buyer Counseling; and Home Maintenance Training.

Paying It Forward by giving 42 hours of Volunteering & Community Service.

does this sound familiar?

Are you paying too much for rent?

Are you tired of dealing with unreliable landlords?

Do you want to purchase your own simple, decent, affordable home?

Do you qualify for a mortgage, but not enough that meets your family's needs?

We Can Help

Put My Name on the Contact List

What happens once my application is submitted?

Once we receive an application, we will first confirm that it is complete. This means the form has been filled out completely & signed, and that all additional documents and credit check fee have been received as well.

Next, if the applicant meets our initial credit and income guidelines, we will schedule an interview to discuss the application and partnership process.

If the applicant passes the interview, we schedule a home visit by members of our Family Selection Committee.

The Selection Committee will convene and select the finalists to refer to our Board of Directors, who will then vote on final approval.

How long does the application process take?

Do you accept applications year round?

How much do the homes cost?

All of our homes are sold at appraised fair market value.

We use grants and additional subsidies to reduce the loan amount the buyer needs to borrow. This helps make sure the final house payment is never more than 35% of monthly income.

The various mortgage grants and subsidies contain terms that require owner-occupancy, and prohibit "property flipping", and/or renting for profit. Violating these terms may trigger repayment, recapture, and/or foreclosure.

Do you help with affordable rental housing?

Unfortunately we do not offer any rental programs or assistance.

Please contact your local housing authority, or town Community Development Agency. You can also reach out to the following agencies for more information on rental assistance:

Community Development Corporation of Long Island - www.cdcli.org

Community Housing Innovations - www.chigrants.org

Long Island Housing Services - www.lifairhousing.org

Long Island Housing Partnership - www.lihp.org

What if I'm a disabled & can't perform sweat equity?

If an approved home buyer has a disability that effects their ability to perform construction tasks, we will make all reasonable accommodations to still allow participation and engagement with the volunteers and builders. Alternative sweat equity may include :

Substitution of construction hours for alternative tasks;

Someone donating construction hours on behalf of the disabled home buyer;

Showing up onsite to meet and greet the builders.

Providing lunch for the workers.

Speak to a family services associate for more information.