Homeownership through Habitat

Homeowner Applications Are Closed

Thank you for your interest in the Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program. At this time, we are not accepting applications for new homeowners. However, if you would like to be notified when the next application cycle opens, please enter your information below to join our communications list. This does not mean you are applying—only that you will receive updates about future opportunities to apply.
 

Qualification Requirements

If you are considering applying for a Habitat for Humanity home in the future, please review the following qualification criteria to better understand the requirements:

Ability to pay is determined by reviewing your annual income, credit report and debt to income ratio. The minimum and maximum annual incomes required for a Habitat for Humanity mortgage change yearly based on the area income. This information is released by Housing and Urban Development. For reference, see the 2024 income guidelines below.

For any questions about income limits, please contact our office. Your debt to income ratio is all your monthly debt payments including your house payment divided by your gross monthly income. The maximum debt to income ratio allowed for a Habitat for Humanity mortgage is 41%.

Need is defined as your need for adequate shelter. Our Homeowner Selection Committee will visit your current home to assess the size, condition and cost of your home.

Willingness to partner is defined by your willingness to participate fully in the homebuying process. Homebuyers participate in the homebuying process by keeping appointments, filling out paperwork accurately and on time, and completing 200 volunteer hours during the construction of their home. 

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Here are some steps we would recommend to prepare for a future application cycle:

• Review your credit report. You are entitled to one free credit report, once per year from www.annualcreditreport.com. You should check your report, review the items for accuracy, and find out what items are influencing your credit. It can take 6-12 months to establish or build your credit. Starting sooner rather than later on building your credit is highly recommended.  
• Seek homebuyer counseling. A qualified pre-purchase counselor can help you determine your debt to income and readiness to buy a home. If you are struggling with your credit, we highly suggest meeting with a HUD-certified counselor at the Region 1 Planning Council to better understand the loan requirements and next steps before applying. Region 1 Planning Council can help you navigate the path to financial and housing stability through budget and pre-purchase housing counseling. To get started, click “Register”.

To be added to our communication lists about all upcoming open enrollment:

Committed to increasing access to safe, decent, and affordable housing, our work centers around the development of shelter.