Become A Homeowner

Habitat for Humanity is a home ownership program that empowers families to build a new life for themselves through the stability and security of owning their own home. Habitat homes are not given away, but are sold to families who qualify, are willing to put in hundreds of hours of labor (called Sweat Equity) and are able to make a monthly mortgage payment. Habitat homes are affordable because Habitat does not make a profit; homes are sold with a no-interest (0%) loan and are built with volunteer help. Selected families are partners in every sense of the word. They contribute 300 hours of sweat equity building their own home, helping build homes of other partner families as well as volunteering in the local ReStore, helping with fundraisers along with other opportunities that may arise. Homebuyers also participate in classes that help prepare them for homeownership.

Habitat’s program is not a quick housing solution. It can take a minimum of 12 months, typically longer, from the time of application before a family can move into their HABITAT home. Construction of the home is complex and can have multiple delays based on supplies and contractors.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Residency

    • Resident of East Idaho for a minimum of 1 year

    • U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, or documented right to work in the United States.

  • Housing Need:
    Exhibit a physical or financial housing need:

    • Electrical, plumbing or heating issues in current home

    • Lead based paint or asbestos found in current home

    • Overcrowding of available space

    • Temporary housing or shelter

    • Mold or other health issues present in the home.

  • Willingness to Partner with Habitat for Humanity:

    • Willing to partner with Habitat in the building of your home or to make special arrangements if necessary due to physical limitations or disability.

    • Complete 300 hours of sweat equity time during the building of the home.

  • Income:

    • Your household income must fall within the current income guidelines according to family size, and you must meet the debt to income ratio requirements.

  • Ability to Pay:

    • Ability to pay a no interest, no profit mortgage loan

APPLICATIONS FOR HOMEBUYER PROGRAM

Frequently asked questions

  • Families or individuals in need of decent, affordable shelter can inquire and apply to be part of the program. Habitat homebuyers are chosen based on three criteria:

    • The level of need for safe, decent and affordable housing.

    • The willingness to partner with Habitat to build the home.

    • The ability to repay a 0% interest mortgage loan.

    We follow a policy of nondiscrimination for homeowner selection. Neither race or religion is a factor in the Homeowner Selection Committee’s choosing of potential homeowners.

  • Yes, and all income sources will be considered for qualification.

  • Habitat for Humanity Idaho Falls Area abides by Habitat for Humanity International square footage guidelines. The number of bedrooms and bathrooms will be determined by the family size.

  • No. Habitat for Humanity is a Fair Housing agency, meaning that we do not discriminate based on race/color, religion, sex/gender/ national origin, disability, age, or family status. Our program is open to all household types.

  • No. Households with two applicants can have 75 hours (25%) of the 300 hours that are required completed by friends and family. Single applicant households can have 150 (50%) of the 300 hours that are required be completed by friends and family.

  • Children under the age of 16 may contribute hours towards the sweat equity total. These children can help with meal preparation for people working on the build site or help on the build site on days that there is no heavy equipment or power tools being used. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Habitat for Humanity Idaho Falls Area acquires land through purchases and/or donation. Applicants should be open to living in the neighborhoods where we are currently building, as available locations may vary.

  • Income verification for program eligibility is only considered at the time of application. The mortgage and monthly payments will be based on your income at time of the home completion. However, a negative change in the household income below the 25% minimum prior to closing on the home could disqualify participants in the program.

    Our hope is that having a stable, affordable home will free up time and energy to pursue additional opportunities in education, training or job promotions/changes.

  • Our staff works directly with the homeowners if they cannot pay their mortgage due to temporary or permanent changes to their income. Habitat will meet with the homeowners to better understand the circumstances/situation and put a plan in place to get monthly payments current. We work with all of our committed homeowners to help them keep their homes.

  • Yes. Like all other affordable housing programs, Habitat for Humanity Idaho Falls Area requires that its homes are owner occupied. You cannot use the home for business purposes, move out and leave it empty, rent it out, or move out and let someone else live there instead. After the homeowner has paid off the mortgage, these restrictions are removed.

  • No. Rental of any rooms or space is not permitted and is considered a violation of the Homeowner Agreement. Habitat homes are owner occupied only.

  • Each home shall be entitled to a maximum of three (3) pets so long as such pets are not kept for any commercial purposes, does not cause an unreasonable amount of noise, odor or does not otherwise become a nuisance to other owners.

  • Yes, the types and sizes provided varies based on the home size and whether or not there is a basement in the home.

  • You can get approval from Habitat to build your own garage or carport. However, Habitat does not build garages or carports.

  • Per contract Habitat shall have the right to exercise its Rights of First Purchase.

  • No. Habitat for Humanity Idaho Falls Area is an affordable home-ownership program. Our homeowners purchase their homes from Habitat through an affordable mortgage loan that is repaid monthly based on 30% of the household’s gross monthly income.