Homeownership

To qualify for Habitat homeownership, you should…

…have a need for housing.

A family must be currently living in substandard or inadequate housing, which may include overcrowding, structural deterioration, safety concerns, or excessive housing cost (over 30% of monthly income).

…have the ability to pay.

Habitat homes are not given away – they are sold to homeowner partners at a mortgage they can afford. That is why each family must demonstrate 12 months of consistent income, a debt-to-income ratio of less than 43%, and a credit score of 620 or more.

…be willing to partner with us.

A family must have the willingness to partner with Blue Water Habitat by investing sweat equity in building their home and the homes of other partner families. Partnership also includes taking required financial classes, meeting regularly with Homeowners Services Coach, and paying a down payment.

General Program Requirements

  • Individuals and families must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
  • There may not be open or unpaid court cases: all fees, fines, time served, community service, etc., must be fully satisfied.
  • Individuals and families may not be a registered sex offender(s).

Financial Requirements

  • Families must have and maintain an annual gross income within our guidelines
  • Families must have proof of consistent employment for the past 12 months.
  • Families must have at least two years since being discharged from bankruptcy or having a foreclosed property.
  • Families must not have any open or unpaid civil judgments or lien debts.
  • Families must be able to save a minimum of $1,500 by the time of closing for a down payment.
  • Families must have a debt to income ratio under 43% (after adding 30% for a mortgage).

Home Repairs

Home repairs are an important part of homeownership. Our program provides a variety of funding for qualified applicants including grants and assistance through various partner organizations. Depending on which grants are available, these sorts of projects can range from minor door repair to significant system repair (roofs, insulation, furnaces etc.). These options make the cost of doing repairs through Blue Water Habitat generally more affordable than through other contracted labor. Projects are considered as funding sources become available.

QUALIFICATION CRITERIA

Pre-tax Income
Is your income under 80% of the Average Median Income (AMI) for your county? See chart for income limits in St Clair and Sanilac Counties.
Need
Can you demonstrate a challenging circumstance such as limited income, disability, illness, or age that prevents you from making the repairs?
Homeowner
Do you own your home and the land it’s on? Do you have homeowners insurance?

To learn more about our programs please reach out to our Program & Resource Development Coordinator at 810-985-9080 ext. 202 or joyce@bwhabitat.org

Offices and ReStore Address:

3524 Pine Grove Ave

Port Huron, MI 48060

Mailing Address:

PO BOX 610367

Port Huron, MI 48061

Office Phone:

(810) 985-9080

ReStore Phone:

(810) 364-6919