become a homeowner
We are excited to help you begin your journey to homeownership! We recommend attending our Virtual Homeownership Information Sessions to learn more about our program before beginning the application process.
We are excited to help you begin your journey to homeownership! We recommend attending our Virtual Homeownership Information Sessions to learn more about our program before beginning the application process.
Gather the following documents as they will be required to submit with your completed application. You may submit your required documents digitally or provide paper copies.
Click on each section to see the list of required documents and tips for how to obtain them.
Download Required Documents Checklist
Both applicant and co-applicant will need to provide copies of the following:
All members of the household, 18 or older must supply a copy of:
Additional Resources:
Two (2) months of current pay stubs for each person in the household employed, 18 or older.
If self-employed, you will need the most recent two (2) months of your bank statements for all checking and savings accounts. You must include all pages, including blank pages.
Last (2) years W-2 for each person age 18 or older in the household
Check with your employer if you need pay stub or W-2 copies. If your employer pays through ADP or Paychex you can create a login to get copies of pay stubs.
Verification of Child Support Income
Per city and state requirements, Verification of Child Support Income is required for each person in the household age 18 or older regardless of whether you have or do not have any dependent children.
Last two (2) years of Tax Returns (1040) for each person 18 or older in the household; 3 years if self-employed with Schedule C.
Documentation is required for the last 12 months for all household members, 18 or older.
Child Support
If you are receiving Child Support, you will need to also supply a copy of the Child Support Financial Activity Form.
Alimony (Divorce Decree)
Social Security Award Letter (most recent )
Disability (most recent Award Letter)
Retirement/Pension (most recent Statement of Payment)
Married
Per State of Texas property laws, lawfully married applicants must apply with their spouse as co-applicants and must provide income information and all required documentation.
Seperated
If you are legally married, but separated, your spouse is required to be a co-applicant and must provide income information and all required documentation even if he/she will not live in the house.
Divorced Copy of Divorce Decree
Widowed Copy of Death Certificate
You will receive an email from our Homeownership Team with an invitation to complete the online application within the next week.
If you have not already done so, we encourage you to attend one of our virtual homeownership information sessions. Our staff cover all program requirements and answer your questions about what to expect. You can find information about the next session HERE
If you have questions about the program and want to talk to someone in our office, give us a call at (713) 671-9993, or email us at familyservices@houstonhabitat.org.
The application process can take about 4 weeks. The sooner you submit the required documents, we can review your completed application.
The sweat equity requirement takes 6- 8 months, depending on your availability and work hours.
Typically, from submitting an application to home purchase, most families are in the program for about a year.
If applicants do not meet Houston Habitat for Humanity’s criteria for homeownership and are not selected for the program, they will receive a letter with a description of the reason and a list of HUD-approved Financial Counselors or a referral to another qualified organization.
No, there is no limit! You can apply as many times as you’d like for a Habitat home. We encourage applicants who do not make it the first or second time to reapply!
Per State of Texas property laws, if you are legally married, but separated, your spouse is required to be a co-applicant and must provide income information and all required documentation even if he/she will not live in the house.
Yes, all members of the household, 18 or older must supply a copy of their Birth Certificate, Permanent Residency Card OR Naturalization Certificate with their application.
No, a single person must meet the income requirements for a 1-person household. Your annual household gross income must be between $50,000 – $53,000 and generally qualify for a 2-bedroom home. Applicants must also demonstrate a need for shelter, a good credit score, ability to pay, have a willingness to partner, and be a legal resident 18 years of age or older.
Location can often be the biggest factor in determining the price of a house. We work hard to purchase land at a low cost throughout the greater Houston area which helps us keep the houses we build affordable. Often these locations will be outside of the 610 Loop.
Check out our interactive map to see where we are currently building homes. Remember, the home that you will ultimately purchase will be based on the following:
We offer homes with 2, 3, or 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, ranging from 950 to 1,400 sq. ft. The home you purchase will be based on your family’s needs, your budget, and the homes Houston Habitat has available at the time of your closing.
Houston Habitat for Humanity is an equal opportunity builder and complies with The Federal Fair Housing Act in the marketing, sale, and purchasing of properties.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for home ownership without regard to Race, Color, Religion, National Origin, Sex, Disability and Familial Status.