Homeownership

Habitat for Humanity provides a pathway to fulfill your dreams of owning your own home. Through our education program focused on financial management and home maintenance, you will learn

how to take on the responsibilities of homeownership. And by working to build and rehab your own home (as well as others’), you will learn how to maintain and care for your home.

The education program and construction experience are the main parts of “Sweat Equity” which is the time Future Homeowners spend in partnership with us to prepare for homeownership. New or rehabbed homes are ultimately purchased with a 0% interest mortgage.

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Together, we build strong foundations.

Habitat for Humanity has shown that building homes does more than put a roof over our Homeowners’ and their families’ heads. Compared to renters, homeowners of safe, decent and affordable housing experience the following progress:

• children of homeowners are 116% more likely to graduate from college
• physical and mental health improve
• a family’s sense of dignity and self-reliance grow
• wealth accumulation is possible and a legacy is passed on

Homeownership Program Qualifications

This list is to help you understand if Habitat’s Homeownership Program might be right for you. But if you aren’t sure and want to learn more, please give us a call.

From single adults to families of any size, everyone is welcome to apply!

1. Need: Total income must be below 80% of the Average Median Income (AMI) for Lucas County (see the chart at right). Also, your current living situation must be inadequate due to:

• Overcrowding
• Safety Concerns
• Poor Maintenance by Landlord
• Lack of Disability Access
• Excessive Rent Payment (more than 30% of your gross income)

2. Ability to Pay: Income must be more than 30% of AMI. (See chart at right.) You must demonstrate the ability to pay a monthly mortgage. We do check your credit history but do not use a credit score.

• Income must be steady, reliable, and documented
• Monthly debt obligations must be less than 43% of your income
• Collection debts cannot be more than $5,000
• You cannot have any outstanding liens or judgments
• No bankruptcies within the last two years 

3. Willingness to Partner: Willing to partner with Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity

• Complete 250 sweat equity hours which includes attendance at required monthly education meetings, completing financial management courses and actively participating in the home building process.
• Accept a home location where we are building or rehabbing
• Be a positive ambassador for Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity

Since its start, Habitat for Humanity has always believed that everyone deserves a decent place to live. We follow fair housing laws and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, ancestry, military status, disability or national origin. We also, in accordance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) do not discriminate against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or source of income.

How to Apply

What are the steps to apply to be a Maumee Valley Habitat Homeowner?

1. Contact Emily Buller, Program Director, at 419-382-1964. During the phone call, you will receive background information on the Homeownership Program and what qualifications are necessary to be eligible for the program.
2. If you feel you meet the qualifications or you just want to learn more, you’ll normally set up an appointment with Emily to start the application process. We will walk you through the application process which will include filling out an application, providing income and expense documentation, and pulling a credit report.

Still have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.

If you'd like a member of our team to contact you with additional information on our Homeownership Program, please fill out the form below. 

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