Frequently Asked Questions
SO YOU’RE INTERESTED IN OWNING A HABITAT HOME…….
Below is information explaining some Frequently Asked Questions. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. MCHFH is an equal housing opportunity lender.
Habitat is not a giveaway program; it is a hand-up not a hand-out.
Is a Habitat home free? No. We sell the home to you, and you pay for the home. We carry the loan for you at no interest.
How do I qualify? The basic selection criteria are: (1) Be a resident of Mason County for 1 year (2) You do not own an habitual home (3) Exhibit a need for a safe and adequate home (4) Ability to pay for the home (5) Willingness to partner with Mason County Habitat for Humanity affiliate.
What does my mortgage payment include? The principal payment, insurance escrow, tax escrow, and maintenance escrow of $10 a month.
How much does a Habitat home cost? The cost of the house is determined after it is completed. The cost will include materials, professional labor, land purchase, landscape, etc.
Where is the Habitat home built? In different parts of the city-depending on the site of the property.
What is the size of the Habitat home? A three bedroom, two bath will be built on the lot. Drive by the homes we have built. All are similar house plan. You will be given an opportunity to choose one color for the interior, tile color, and the exterior color. Washer, dryer, refrigerator and stove are furnished with the house.
How do you determine my certification to be a homeowner? The need for adequate shelter will be determined by the information given on your application, home visit, documents from housing official, utility bills, rent, medical documentation for special needs, credit checks, income verification, and other as deemed necessary by the Family Selection Committee.
How can I show the willingness to partner with MCHFH? This can be shown by the information given on the application, gathered during the home visit, attending 2 workshops training sessions, understand the philosophy of Habitat, understand the obligation of being a positive Habitat family (our funds are raised in the community so the family needs to be a positive and productive citizen), willing to keep the house and yard in good repair, understand the sweat-equity hours.
How is my ability to pay for the home determined? The family must have an income not less than 30% nor more than 60% of the median income for Mason County as established by HUD. The actual amount will vary with the size of the family . Income from public assistance (not food stamps), child support, alimony payments, and employment will be considered. Family must show the ability to make all debt payments each month, family cannot declare bankruptcy within the state limits of application review, family has no liens of judgments that cannot be cleared before closing. The closing cost, homeowners insurance, taxes, will be added to the cost of the home. A financial review will be completed before the house closing.
If you have additional questions are concerns please contact us.