Homeownership Program

Start Your Homeownership Journey with Habitat

We believe that everyone deserves a safe place to live, regardless of where they come from, because a stable home is the foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life. Everyone has the right to live in a community where they feel safe, supported, and valued, no matter their background or circumstances. Through Shelter, We Empower.

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Click Here to Watch our Habitat Homeownership Information Session!

Interested in owning a Habitat home? Attend an applicant information session at Habitat East Polk to learn more about the process and how to prepare. These sessions are optional and not required to apply.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Program Requirements
  • Application Process
  • How to Prepare & More!

In-Person Sessions:

TBD

Virtual Session:

TBD

Become a Habitat Homeowner

Family Size Minimum Gross
Monthly Income		 Maximum Gross
Monthly Income
One $3,471 $3,892
Two $3,471 $4,446
Three $3,471 $5,000
Four $3,471 $5,554
Five $3,750 $6,000
Six $4,029 $6,446
Seven $4,304 $6,888
Eight+ $4,583 $7,333

Need

At Habitat East Polk, we are committed to serving families facing the most urgent housing challenges by employing a consistent, thorough approach to assess each applicant’s specific needs.

The need for housing is determined by evaluating financial factors, such as income level, and physical factors, such as living conditions. We also assess the size and composition of your household in relation to the number of bedrooms available in your current home. Household income must meet the eligibility guidelines depicted in the chart.

Ability to Pay

You will purchase your home from Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County and must demonstrate your ability to pay the monthly mortgage, taxes, insurance, and possibly association dues. Homebuyers are responsible for closing costs and a 1% down payment (assistance may be available). We will review your credit history, including payment history, current debt, and collections, to look for stability and responsible management of personal finances. Current household expense will be reviewed to ensure you can afford a Habitat mortgage loan.

Willingness to Partner

Willingness to partner: Willingness to partner encompasses several areas including: sweat equity, closing costs, education classes and more. If selected, all applicants must complete designated training, education, and volunteer work known as “sweat equity” before purchasing their Habitat home. We require a minimum of 200 hours of sweat equity per household, with at least 100 of those hours in construction. Sweat equity is an investment in your future and goals.