Becoming a Homeowner

Applications for Washington & Dodge County are currently closed.   We will open applications and notify interested applicants when more housing units become available.    

How does this program work?

        Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program allows us to partner with households in the 35%-60% median income range so they can achieve homeownership.  This is a program unlike a traditional mortgage through a bank as Habitat for Humanity acts as both the bank and the builder.  We utilize generous monetary and product donations as well as volunteer labor to build affordable housing.  These also allow us to offer mortgages at 0% so you’ll never be bogged down by interest or fees. 

We also base payments on household income so we can ensure that your payments will remain affordable as you transition to homeownership.  A unique aspect of the Homeownership Program is that this process gives households a built-in support system.  Through the program’s required volunteer time, you’ll be able to connect with the volunteers helping to build the property, community members, and Habitat for Humanity staff to feel comfortable and secure as you begin your journey as a homeowner. 

We’re also able to make building accommodations based on the needs of the household in compliance with ADA Accessibility Standards.  If you or someone you know may benefit from this program, please complete the application pre-screening worksheet and our Director of Family Services will be in touch with you about the next steps.  

 

Homeowners must meet our three basic criteria to pursue an application:

Need

Applicants must have a need for housing due to any of the following:

  • Current housing has significant damage or is unsafe
  • Overcrowding among occupants
  • Housing costs exceed 30% of your gross monthly household income
  • Inaccessibility 

Ability to Pay

We do not give away homes

All of our homeowners make mortgage payments based on the cost of their home and their income.  Through our application process, we assess what you payments you can afford and ensure that applicant income is expected to be stable in the future.  Having debt does not disqualify you from our application process either.  

Willingness to Partner

Our Homeownership Program is a long-term process where we offer support and resources to prepare our families for life in their new home.  We require 12 hours of “sweat equity” to be completed as part of the application process.  Upon approval, households need to complete 250 hours before closing on the home.  Up to 75 hours can be donated from friends or extended family as well.  While these are called “sweat equity” hours, we have options to fulfill them if accommodations are needed.

Homeowner Information Form

If you'd like more information on how to apply for our Homeownership Program, please use this form and someone will get back to you shortly. Thank you!

I understand that the Homeownership Program through Habitat for Humanity of Washington & Dodge Counties is not an emergency housing resource and that from start to finish, the process can take up to 2+ years to complete.(Required)

2024 Income Guidelines

Use this chart to determine if you meet the income guidelines. Your household’s annual gross (before taxes) income must be below the maximum income shown in the chart below.

Washington County

Family
Size
Minimal
Annual
Maximum
Annual
1 $25,014.00 $42,882.00
2 $28,588.00 $49,008.00
3 $32,161.00 $55,134.00
4 $35,735.00 $61,260.00
5 $38,593.80 $66,160.80
6 $41,452.60 $71,061.60
7 $44,311.40 $75,962.40
8 $47,170.20 $80,863.20

Dodge County

Family
Size
Minimal
Annual
Maximum
Annual
1 $22,466.50 $38,514.00
2 $25,676.00 $44,016.00
3 $28,885.50 $49,518.00
4 $32,095.00 $55,020.00
5 $34,662.60 $59,421.60
6 $37,230.20 $63,823.20
7 $39,797.80 $68,224.80
8 $42,365.40 $72,626.40