Habitat Homeownership
Own your own home…working alongside your neighbors
Columbia County Habitat makes the dream of owning one’s own home come true for lower-income working families.
Habitat for Humanity is one of the largest and most respected organizations in affordable homeownership development. Over the last 30 years operating in Columbia County, we have built or rehabilitated 25 homes for qualified families, and repaired many more, enabling our neighbors to live in more safe and secure environments.
Our program is straightforward, based on three criteria:
With Habitat You Can Fulfill Your Dream.
Get on the path to owning a home by applying for our program.
Habitat homes are purchased by families through an affordable mortgages from a local bank or other lending partner who specializes in affordable homeownership lending. Along the way, Habitat also prepares our families for successful homeownership through home-buyer education classes that are completed before they close on their homes and begin paying their affordable mortgages.
Apply today!
Columbia County Habitat makes the dream of owning one’s own home come true for lower-income working families.
Habitat for Humanity is one of the largest and most respected organizations in affordable homeownership development. Over the last 30 years operating in Columbia County, we have built or rehabilitated 25 homes for qualified families, and repaired many more, enabling our neighbors to live in more safe and secure environments.
Our program is straightforward, based on three criteria:
- A demonstrated need for housing
- The ability to purchase a Habitat-constructed home through a 3rd party mortgage
- The willingness to partner in the construction of your home and other Habitat projects through our “Sweat Equity” program.
With Habitat You Can Fulfill Your Dream.
Get on the path to owning a home by applying for our program.
Habitat homes are purchased by families through an affordable mortgages from a local bank or other lending partner who specializes in affordable homeownership lending. Along the way, Habitat also prepares our families for successful homeownership through home-buyer education classes that are completed before they close on their homes and begin paying their affordable mortgages.
Apply today!
Application Process
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
If you’re interested in applying, the process begins when Habitat acquires property for a project. There are a few steps:
The first is to read and understand the detailed eligibility criteria listed below. Then, fill out the Application for Housing and send it and other requested materials to the Family Services Coordinator at the address on the form.
You must also:
If you’re interested in applying, the process begins when Habitat acquires property for a project. There are a few steps:
The first is to read and understand the detailed eligibility criteria listed below. Then, fill out the Application for Housing and send it and other requested materials to the Family Services Coordinator at the address on the form.
You must also:
- Meet with Habitat staff to review your application and materials for completeness
- Have a family interview in your home
ELIGIBILITY
Habitat Partner Families are chosen based on evaluation of three criteria:
1. Need for Adequate Housing
You need to currently live in housing which is substandard or a severe cost burden. This could mean overcrowding or unsafe conditions, inadequate heat or sanitary conditions, or severe structural problems. It could also mean that more than 30% of your income goes to housing. In this case, you might qualify even if your current housing is not considered substandard.
2. Ability to Pay
The total applicant household income must include income from all members of the household and must be documented by copies of paystubs, W-2s, benefit letters, etc. Total household income must be enough for the family to be able to make affordable monthly payments, but cannot be below 50% or exceed 75% of the median income for Columbia County, based on family size. FY 2023 Median Income for Columbia County was $103,000
1. Need for Adequate Housing
You need to currently live in housing which is substandard or a severe cost burden. This could mean overcrowding or unsafe conditions, inadequate heat or sanitary conditions, or severe structural problems. It could also mean that more than 30% of your income goes to housing. In this case, you might qualify even if your current housing is not considered substandard.
2. Ability to Pay
The total applicant household income must include income from all members of the household and must be documented by copies of paystubs, W-2s, benefit letters, etc. Total household income must be enough for the family to be able to make affordable monthly payments, but cannot be below 50% or exceed 75% of the median income for Columbia County, based on family size. FY 2023 Median Income for Columbia County was $103,000
Habitat evaluates the financial readiness of each applicant household, but does not use credit scores as criteria. Applicants must pre-qualify for a mortgage equal to 30% of their gross income.
3. Willingness to Partner
Applicant(s) must be agree to:
- Invest 250-300 hours in “sweat equity” depending on their family size. All families buying Habitat houses around the world help with the building of their own homes. Friends and family members 16 years or older can participate to help to earn hours.
- Attend an approved First-Time Homebuyers course before purchasing a Habitat home.
- Take financial and maintenance responsibility for a Habitat home.
- Submit to a Sex Offender Database Check and a Criminal Background Check as part of the application process.
HOMEOWNER EDUCATION
When you become a Habitat partner family, you’re required to complete first-time home-buyer education classes before home closing. Topics include money management, information about mortgages, how to stay financially fit and tips on home maintenance and safety.
This training program is designed to provide you with the knowledge to be a successful homeowner.
After you move into your home, a community volunteer will become your Family Advocate. She or he will provide a warm welcome and meet with you regularly to answer questions as they come up.
This training program is designed to provide you with the knowledge to be a successful homeowner.
After you move into your home, a community volunteer will become your Family Advocate. She or he will provide a warm welcome and meet with you regularly to answer questions as they come up.
Become a Habitat Homeowner
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Columbia County Habitat for Humanity is currently accepting homeowner applications for homes being built in Columbia County. You can DOWNLOAD an application or request a paper application via return mail by completing the form below or by calling 518-828-0892.
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