HOMEOWNERSHIP APPLICATIONS

We are not accepting Homeownership applications at this time.

OUR HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM

Providing personal stability and financial empowerment through our Homeownership Program.

With education, sweat equity, and community, SAW HFH provides an affordable mortgage to those that successfully complete our Homeownership Program.

Education

SAW HFH believes the pathway to homeownership starts with education. We provide classes and resources to help with debt management, financial integrity, and homeowner success.

Community

A good community develops from good neighbors. We believe in strength in numbers and providing each other with support, whether it’s through our ReStore, partnerships and volunteering with other non-profits, or local engagement.

Sweat Equity

Our program requires 200 hours of sweat equity through education, home construction, and working alongside volunteers in the ReStore and other local non-profits. The goal through sweat equity is not just home equity, but personal equity.

QUALIFICATION

Do you qualify for our Homeownership Program?

Service Area

We service the Staunton-Augusta Waynesboro Area. Applicants must live or work in our area for at least one year prior to applying.

Willingness to Partner

Must agree to “partner” with Habitat for Humanity in helping to build their house and houses built for other families.  Each household adult (18 years or older) must contribute a minimum of 200 “sweat-equity” hours.

Income & Ability to Pay

Must have enough income to support the monthly mortgage payment.

Debt Management

Debt must not have more than $1,000 in delinquent non-medical debt.

Living Conditions

Substandard housing conditions (overcrowding, excessive rent, defective dwelling, etc.)

Additional Qualifications

Cannot have owned a home within the last 2 years. All applicants are subjected to credit and background checks. Annual household income must not be over 80% of the Area Median Income.

HOW TO APPLY

What is the Application Process?

Contact or Submit Form

Please contact Programs Director, Jill Bader.

Fill Out Application

When the application process is open, individuals are given an application to determine initial qualification in the program.
Please see income limits in chart below.

*Data provided by HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R), here.

Homeownership Program
Interest Form

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When applications are being accepted, they must be turned in with the requested documentation. All applications received without all documents will be returned. SAW HFH will run a credit report, background check, and Sex Offender Registry check on all adults (over 18) represented on the application.

  • All applicants are screened to see who qualifies. All qualified applicants are sent to committee for approval. SAW HFH’s Board of Directors then votes on approved, qualified applicants to become Partner Families.

  • Unfortunately, no. We receive hundreds of qualified applications for only a small number of houses that we can build. Approved, qualified applicants will be streamlined by the Partner Family Application Committee based on current construction, AMI variables, and need variables.

  • Once approved, all family members over the age of 18 will be required to complete 200 sweaty equity hours. These hours vary in education, construction, ReStore, and community engagement.

  • No. You will pay an affordable monthly mortgage that varies based on income. Real Estate Taxes and Homeowner’s Insurance are also required.

  • See the HUD chart, here.

FREE CLASS

Credit Management Classes

SAW Habitat for Humanity has partnered with the Shenandoah Valley Social Services and the DCCU Cares Foundation to help improve family financial outcomes through a two-part course. The objectives include; reducing expenses, increasing savings, identifying community resources, understanding credit, credit reporting, improving credit and safeguarding personal information.