Homeowner Info

Habitat is here to help

Habitat is not a give away program. All program families repay an average 30 year mortgage. What makes Habitat affordable is its INTEREST-FREE mortgage.  Home repairs through our Neighborhood Revitalization Initiatives are also financed through interest-free loans.

Family Handout 2013

There are three basic criteria to qualify for a Habitat house:

1. You are currently living in substandard housing

1. Have a demonstrated need for affordable housing – defined as unsafe, unhealthy, overpriced, overcrowded, and various other reasons.

2. You have the willingness to partner with Habitat

1. Complete a minimum of 350 hours of “sweat equity” – time instead of cash – on your home, other Habitat homes, and other approved types of community service.
2. Media coverage is critical to securing funding needed for Habitat homes. Families must be willing to embrace and participate with all forms of media. An example of this may be having an article written about your family for a newspaper, or giving an interview to a member of the television media.

3. Current economic situation

1. You must have a stable source of income – salary from a job, permanent disability, SSI, etc.
2. You must have a projected source of income – the ability to pay back a 25-30 year interest free mortgage, based on the cost of the home. Habitat is NOT a give-away program or a free house. Mortgage payments may range between $450 and $550 per month, depending on the size and location of the house. Our homes are new construction or rehabilitated older houses.
3. You must have a satisfactory credit history, yet not able to qualify for a standard mortgage through a bank or other lending institution. Ideally, your recurring debt should not exceed 41% of your monthly income. Recurring debt includes car payments, credit card payments, personal loans, and student loans. (It does NOT include utility bills).
4. You must have satisfactory recommendations from employers and other credit references.
5. Your income must be within the following current year guidelines. (Income will be verified with copies of pay stubs, bank statements, and your last two income tax returns). You must include ALL family income, including anyone who will live in the house.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Habitat homeowner, or know someone who may qualify, please contact us at 412-351-0512, ext.10

These guidelines are based on HUD’s 2013 housing income guidelines for Pittsburgh’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (median income = $65,100) and are subject to change. Please call the Habitat office for updates @ 412-351-0512.

EXAMPLE: If there are four persons in your household with a combined income of $32,550 per year, you may qualify.

NOTE: If your income is below or near the minimum, it may be very difficult for you to make the mortgage payments. If your income is close to or over the maximum, it is very possible that you could qualify for a mortgage through a "First-time Buyers" program at your local bank or through another program.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh currently builds new or rehabilitates older homes and is seeking land in several areas. Our service territory is Allegheny County and we build where affordable land is available. If an applicant is qualified and selected, the process of acquiring a Habitat home may take several months to a year.

If you have an immediate housing need, please contact the United Way Housing referral hot line at 412-255-1155.

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. 01/01/2013