Houston Habitat for Humanity hosts approximently two homeowner application events each year.  The next application fair will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2008 from 9a.m. to 5p.m.  This event will take place at the Houston Habitat Building Supply Outlet located at 6161 South Loop East, Houston, TX 77087 (exit South Wayside).

Before applying, please review the criteria below and frequently asked questions for your consideration.

To qualify:

1. You must be a US citizen or have permanent resident status
2. You must be a first-time home buyer and currently live in substandard housing
3. Your total income must be between $18,500 and $30,500 per year
4. You must have decent credit
5. Your monthly obligations must not outweigh your ability to pay your mortgage
6. You must pay $2000.00 toward closing costs
7. You must be willing to partner with Houston Habitat and contribute 300 hours of "sweat equity" as your down payment.

Is a Houston Habitat home free? No. We sell homes to qualified families at cost with a zero interest loan.
Do I rent the home from you? No. Habitat homes are purchased, not rented. You own the home.

How much does a Houston Habitat home cost? The most recent sales price of our 3-bedroom home is $81,000 and a 4-bedroom home is $84,000. We offer 15- to 25- year mortgages depending on a family's income.

Where does Houston Habitat build homes? We build in different places depending on the availability of land. Where we are building homes today may not be where we will be building tomorrow.

Other Criteria:

1. You will be considered for a Habitat home if your present housing is not adequate and if you are unable to obtain adequate housing through other conventional means.  Lack of adequate housing may include problems with the present structure; water, electrical or sewage service systems; heating system, or failure to meet city property maintenance standards.  Also taken into consideration are the number, the ages and the gender of children compared to the number of bedrooms in your present home.

2. The percentage of your monthly income that you currently spend on housing is a consideration.  You will be required to openly and fully discuss your financial situation with Habitat personnel.

If you would like to learn more about homeownership, call (713) 671-9993.