Homeownership FAQs

The application process can take up to a few months (partly dependent on you) and then, if approved for the program, it takes least 12-18 months to purchase a home. The completion of your home will depend on the overall construction schedule and other variables including funding sources, building requirements, and whether it is a new build or rehab of an existing home.

Once approved for the program, each Future Homeowner will be required to completed 250 sweat equity hours (volunteer hours) prior to closing on their house. As part of Sweat Equity, Future Homeowners attend required monthly education meetings and communicate twice a month with a Support Partner who is a volunteer who helps each Future Homeowner through the program.

For more information about Sweat Equity, see the next question.

We also ask Future Homeowners to demonstrate a Willingness to Partner. This includes advocating for Habitat for Humanity and decent housing, fulfilling requirements, and communicating any changes in your life (job, family, health) to us in a timely way.

• Sweat Equity is the way that you partner with us and work alongside team members and volunteers.  Each Future Homeowner must complete 250 volunteer sweat equity hours. Friends and family may help work some of these hours.

Sweat Equity is completed primarily through:

• volunteer hours on construction sites, especially on your future home
• volunteer hours in the office and at ReStore
• required educational classes the 2nd Monday of each month that provide information about the responsibilities of homeownership, home maintenance, and mortgage documents
• required financial management class which is incorporated into the Monday classes but also requires a Saturday morning class once a year
• attendance at Home Blessings and Home Dedications for your home as well as for other Future Homeowners

Through Sweat Equity, you are preparing for the jump into homeownership.

All of our homes are simple, decent and affordable homes for you and your family. Most homes are existing homes that are renovated so that no major repairs are needed for at least 15 years. Some homes are built new as 3, 4, or 5 bedrooms depending on your family size. If needed, homes can be built or renovated (when possible) to ADA standards.

All homes are in Lucas County, primarily in Toledo and normally in the Toledo School District or Washington Local School District. There are periodically homes available in Oregon (Clay School District) and Holland (Springfield or Toledo School Districts).

No, but if you meet the criteria and are accepted into the Homeownership Program, you will purchase a home with a 0% interest mortgage. The length of the mortgage can vary from 15-30 years depending on the house price and your family income. Depending on the home selected, monthly payments (including taxes and insurance) are normally between $450 to $600.

Yes. Once the application is filled out at the application meeting, the Family Services Manager will review your income and pull your credit report. However, we do not pull a credit score.

To receive a free credit report, visit CreditReport.com.