Own a Home
Solano Napa Habitat for Humanity does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, familial status, ancestry, physical handicap, medical condition, veteran status, sexual orientation, AIDS, AIDS-Related Condition (ARC), mental disability or any other arbitrary basis. The family selection process is fair and unbiased.
Qualification
- Must have a need for better housing: Homeowners chosen for a Habitat house must live in inadequate, overcrowded, unsafe and overly expensive housing.
- Must have the ability to pay a non-interest mortgage: Habitat Homebuyers must maintain an income sufficient to repay a no interest loan and have good credit history. The maximum income may be dependent on family size or other factors, and will generally be in accordance with “low income” determinations made by HUD (Housing and Urban Development) and California. Following HUD guidelines, expenditure for housing, including the principal payment, insurance, and taxes must not exceed 30% of a family’s gross monthly income.
Willingness to Partner
- Attending and completing Homeowner Classes in money management, home ownership and home maintenance.
- Performing a minimum of 500 hours of “Sweat Equity” per household by working on construction of their houses, or otherwise helping to further Habitat’s mission.
- Paying a $500 down payment and $2,000 for Escrow Closing Costs.
Homeowners are selected based on the severity of their present housing conditions, their willingness to partner with Habitat, and their ability to repay the cost of a Habitat home. Partner homeowners also receive counseling and training on homeownership and maintenance. Homeowners buy their completed homes from Habitat for Humanity at cost and repay them over 20 to 30 years through a no-interest mortgage. Monthly payments are manageable and often Habitat homeowners pay less for their new home than they did for their previous substandard housing. These payments are deposited into a revolving Fund for Humanity that is used to help fund additional Habitat Homes. A homeowner partnership with Habitat does not end once the home is completed. Future involvement can continue through committee work, board membership, and other means.
