How long does it take to get an answer or response after I complete an application?
You will get a response by mail or telephone within 10 days of submission date.
What counts as income?
Income must be verifiable and projected to continue for at least two years. Verifiable means pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, and proof of benefits. Court order and proof of payment for six consecutive months will be needed for child support or alimony to prove as income. We do not count food stamps as income.
What if my income changes while I am going through the Habitat process?
If someone’s income drops below the minimum income level required the homeowner would not be able to continue until the income increased and proved steady via verifiable documentation for at least 6 months. The reason for this is because the homeowner would no longer have the ‘ability to pay.’ If someone’s income increases above the maximum income level allowed the homeowner would not be disqualified as we always hope people are trying to improve their lives and better their financial situation. A board approved potential homeowner would not be penalized for making too much money so long as they were approved while their income was in the acceptable range.
If I am married does my spouse have to be on the mortgage?
Yes, if you are married you must have both names on the mortgage.
What if there is a change in my income, credit score, living situation, family size, contact information, marital status, or criminal history after being approved for a home?
If any of those things change during the process from filling out your application until you close on your home you are required to notify Habitat immediately as they affect your application for a loan.
If I have my own land, will you build on it?
No, currently we are only developing our neighborhood.
If I have a felony, am I automatically disqualified?
No, we have a system that determines eligibility for criminal backgrounds. All applicants 18 years of age or older, that will live in the home, will be required to complete a background check.
If I have a sexual offender offense, am I automatically disqualified?
Yes.
Am I required to have perfect credit or a high credit score?
No. You do not need perfect credit to apply. As part of the Homeownership Program, all applicants participate in Housing Counseling, where income, debt, credit history, and overall financial readiness are reviewed. Before a home can be assigned, applicants must meet the current lending requirements established by Clay County Habitat for Humanity and its approved lending partners, including the minimum credit qualifications in effect at the time of loan approval. If you are not yet loan ready, Housing Counseling may help you develop a plan to improve your financial readiness.
Am I required to attend Homebuyer classes?
Yes, to show your willingness to partner you will need to attend financial literacy and homebuyer education classes that Habitat helps coordinate for you. Other educational workshops or meetings may be required.
Do I have to be a US Citizen?
Yes. You must be a citizen of the United States or have been granted permanent residency status. We will require documentation for either status.
How many sweat equity hours am I required to work?
Each individual applicant is required to complete 200 hours. Hours are worked on the construction site and includes all required educational workshops. The first 100 hours must be completed by the applicant. The other 100 hours can be donated by family and friends volunteering with Clay County Habitat.
What days do I have to perform sweat equity hours?
Sweat equity opportunities are available on Habitat construction sites Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In addition, two Saturdays each month will be designated for sweat equity activities. Saturday opportunities may be completed at the Habitat ReStore or another approved Habitat activity, as authorized by Homeownership Program staff.
Partner Families are expected to complete a minimum of 16 sweat equity hours each month to demonstrate their willingness to partner and maintain progress toward homeownership. Each applicant is required to complete a minimum of 100 total sweat equity hours before closing on their home. The Homeownership Program will provide guidance on approved activities and scheduling.
Will all of my sweat equity hours be performed on my own home?
No, you will be required to work on your neighbors’ homes as well as your own and the Restore. You will spend months working on other homes before your home construction even begins.
What if I am disabled and unable to perform sweat equity hours?
We do not discriminate based on individual’s disabilities and will design a volunteer plan that works for you.
What do homeowners get to choose in terms of their home?
Homeowners can select colors of their exterior siding, counter tops, cabinets and flooring!
What appliances come included in a Habitat home?
Homes come furnished with a fridge and stove/range that are donated by Whirlpool Corporation to all Habitat homes across the United States.
Where will my home be built?
Habitat builds anywhere and everywhere in Clay County based on the land we have available to us. We are currently working on our Green Cove Springs neighborhood that includes single family homes. We cannot guarantee a specific location or site as the construction schedule dictates the next lot to be built. Homeowners should take this into consideration when they begin the process and make sure they are comfortable with getting a home in a place no matter where it may be. We build homes for those who are in need and work with the resources we have available to us.
What do habitat homeowners pay for the home on a monthly basis?
There is not a set amount that every homeowner pays. The amount of the monthly mortgage payment is based on the household income.
What does the monthly payment include?
The monthly mortgage payment includes principal and escrow.
What is principal?
Principal is a portion of your monthly mortgage payment that goes to your mortgage to pay off the actual mortgage amount on your home.
What is escrow?
A.Escrow is a portion of your monthly mortgage payment that covers the cost of property taxes, insurance, and termite bond. Your mortgage holder collects these funds with your principal payment each month so that they can pay your taxes, insurance, and termite bond on an annual basis for you. HOA fees may apply to some Habitat neighborhoods.
Do I have to pay closing costs?
Habitat pays the majority of the closing costs. Homeowners do have to pay the first year’s insurance, termite bond and 3 months of taxes. These amounts vary but they may expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 – $2,000 at closing.
Do homeowners have to pay a down payment and if so when?
Homeowners pay a $1100 ($100 Admin fee Non-Refundable) deposit which is due when the sales and purchase agreement is signed. This occurs months before closing to allow homeowners time to save for closing costs.
How long does it take to get a Habitat home?
This varies based on the number of homes Habitat projects to build in upcoming years. The speed of getting through our process also varies based on the homeowner’s “willingness to partner” in terms of fulfilling sweat equity hours and also the number of qualified and approved homeowners who happen to be going through the process at the same time. This process can take anywhere from 8-12 months, but can be longer or shorter.