HabitatBergen.org: Apply for a Habitat Home

Apply for a Home

We are not in an open application session at this time.
However, we will put prospective homeowner's information in our database and will send letters to those individuals who expressed interest in applying for a home when the next homesite becomes available. We cannot tell you when that will be. If you are interested in being placed in our database, click on the Interest Form link to the left and you will automatically be added to the database.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact our office at 201-457-1020.

Family Selection Criteria

The need for a decent and affordable house is the most important criteria in the selection of a family. Families with the greatest need will be given priority consideration.
Families must have the ability to make mortgage payments and meet all the obligations of owning a home including payment of any condominium/association fees, homeowner insurance, all taxes, utilities and repairs. Applicants must allow a verification of: employment for the last two years, at least six months of employment in the present position, credit history including a judgement search and reference checks. An applicant's history of financial responsibility is considered.
Applicants must agree to partner w/ Habitat in the homeowner processwhich includes: interview by the Family Selection Committee, approval by the Board of Directors, all paperwork requested by the Family Selection Committee during the review process, making escrow payments while building their home to cover the closing costs, completing 400 hours of sweat equity (the families participate in building their homes alongside volunteers/professionals), participating in homeowner taining programs, and other ways of supporting and partnering with Habitat that may arise.

Considerations

You will be considered for a Habitat home if your present housing is not adequate and if you are unable to obtain adequate housing through other conventional means. Lack of adequate housing may include problems with the present structure; water, electrical or sewage service systems; heating system, or failure to meet city property maintenance standards. Also taken into consideration are the number and the ages and the gender of children compared to the number of bedrooms in your present home.
The percentage of your monthly income that you currently spend on housing is considered to determine need. You will be required to openly and fully discuss your financial situation with Habitat personnel.
You and your family will be considered if your annual total income is between 30-50% of the median income for Bergen County.

Year 2007 Guidelines
Based Upon A Family Size Of	Least Amount of Income	Most Amount of Income
Three	$20,963	$34,949
Four	$23,293	$38,821
Five	$24,224	$40,374
Six	$25,156	$41,927
Seven	$27,020	$45,033
Eight	$30,746	$51,244

If you would like to learn more about homeownership, call us at (201) 457-1020 or complete the online interest form and we will contact you when we schedule our next application orientation meetings.