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Qualifications

Applicants to Habitat Must Meet The Following Criteria:

  1. Ability to Pay
  2. Willingness to Partner
  3. Need for Shelter
  4. Additional Requirements

What makes Habitat different than a conventional home seller? Habitat homeowners earn 25% to 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). We serve people who do not own their own home and are unable to obtain a conventional loan. We work with people who have credit issues or no credit—although we cannot process applications with outstanding judgments or a recent bankruptcy that hasn't been discharged for at least two years.

Habitat's mission is to eliminate substandard or poverty housing and provide safe, decent, and affordable homes. Therefore, we look at an applicant's current housing and financial situations and help those who have a genuine need.

Ability to Pay

  • Do you meet the following income guidelines?

    Area Median Income (AMI)

    Eligible family income levels are 30-60% of median income in accordance with Habitat for Humanity International's guidelines.  However, Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus's current projects are restricted to 25-50% of median income as shown below and in accordance with local funding sources.
    Family Size 1 2 3 4
    Min. Income 12,025 13,725 15,450 17,150
    Max. Income 24,050 27,450 30,900 34,300
    Family Size 5 6 7 8
    Min. Income 18,525 19,900 21,275 22,650
    Max. Income 37,050 39,800 42,550 45,300
  • Do you have the ability to pay a $500 down-payment and the first year of homeowners insurance (approximately $300-$500)?
  • Can you make house payments on time each month that are equal to 27.5% of your income?
  • Do your credit reports reflect that you have responsibly handled any credit you may have?
  • Are you employed or do you have steady income for the past six months?

Willingness to Partner

Are you willing to:

  • Attend an orientation?
  • Meet deadlines for application process?
  • Complete 8 volunteer hours before being accepted into the program?
  • Complete 200-250 hours of sweat equity before moving into your home?

Need for Shelter

Is your current housing:

  • Substandard (Overcrowded, run-down, defective, or unsafe)?
  • In reasonable shape, but your rent costs more than 50% of your income?
  • Temporary, transitional, or homeless?

Additional Requirements

  • You must be a first-time homebuyer and can not qualify for a conventional loan
  • You must have lived in Franklin County for at least one year
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States

If you feel you meet all of the criteria above, please complete the pre-screening questionnaire below or print the form and return to:

Family Services Department
Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus
3140 Westerville Road
Columbus, Ohio 43224 
Phone: 614-364-7014
Fax:  614-753-4212