QUALIFICATIONS FOR OUR HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM

We highly encourage anyone interested in applying to our program to carefully review the requirements of our program below to determine if they feel they qualify. 

NEED for housing
​

ABILITY TO PAY our mortgage​

WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER
Individuals and families are considered for our Homeownership Program if their current housing is inadequate, and they are not able to obtain adequate housing through other conventional means. 

The total household income (including any adult living in the home 18 years of age and over that has an income) will also be verified to determine need. 
​
​​Lack of adequate housing may include:
  • Problems with the building's structure, water, electrical, sewage system, heating/cooling, hazardous substances, or failure to meet city property maintenance standards.
  • The home may be:
    • Overcrowded
    • Unaffordable (if the applicant/co-applicant spends more than 30% of their gross monthly income on housing)
    • Government subsidized (e.g. housing authority or section 8 housing)
    • Transitional (individual or family currently living with a family member or friend) 
      ​
Applicants and co-applicants must demonstrate that they have stable and sufficient income in order to pay a minimum mortgage on the home they are purchasing.

Applicants and co-applicants must be able to:
  • Provide verifiable and continuous employment or income documentation for minimum of the last 2 years (e.g. tax returns, w2, 1099, etc) and current income documentation (e.g. paystubs, bank statements, etc)
  • Provide history of paying bills on time
  • Be able to afford a minimum mortgage repayment as established by Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County
  • Have no non-medical accounts in collections, charge-offs or unsatisfied public records on credit history.​
  • ​Saving and contributing $2,000 toward your escrow (1st year of homeowner's insurance and taxes for your home). ​
  • Paying closing costs
Applicants, co-applicants and their families must be willing to join in an ongoing partnership with Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County while in the Homeownership Program and after purchasing their home. 

Applicants and co-applicants will be expected to dedicate a determined amount of time to complete sweat equity hours and work in partnership with the organization by:
  • Assisting in the construction of the homes currently being built
  • Volunteering at  local community non-profit organizations 
  • Volunteering at our ReStores 
  • Assisting with our Neighborhood Revitalization Program through painting, critical repair or weatherization projects
  • Attending all mandatory educational workshops and meetings to learn homeownership skills, home maintenance, financial management, etc.
  • Participating in public relations/  marketing efforts to help raise awareness and funds. 
  • Acting as an ambassador and example in their community to improve their neighborhood. 

income limits to determine ability to pay

Minimum​ Combined Gross Annual Income (Before Taxes)
​for Applicant and/or Co-Applicant ONLY
Household Size
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Annual Income (Before Taxes)
$33,120
$33,120
$33,120
​$33,120
$33,225
​$35,675
$38,150
​​$40,600
​*Income limit ranges are subject to change
Maximum Combined Gross Annual Income (BeforeTaxes)
​for Applicant and/or Co-Applicant ONLY
Household Size
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Annual Income (Before Taxes)
$43,050
$49,200
$55,350
​$61,500
$66,450
​$71,350
$76,300
​​$81,200
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Applicants and co-applicants must live or work in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, or Boca Raton for the last 12 consecutive months.
  • All members of household must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents.
  • Applicants and co-applicants can not have had a foreclosure within 4 years of the application date.
  • All adults of household (age 18 and over) must be able to pass a criminal background check.
  • Applicants and co-applicants must be a first time homebuyer (not owned a home in the last 3 years, except a mobile home) or be a displaced spouse due to domestic violence or divorce. 
  • Applicants and co-applicants can not have had a bankruptcy discharge within 4 years of the application date.
  • Applicants and co-applicants must be willing to live in the cities and neighborhoods where will be actively building and/or selling homes.