Habitat Omaha Homeownership Program
Application Process
- Fill out and submit the Prequalification Form.
- The Family Selection Committee (an independent volunteer committee) reviews the form and mails complete application packets to those who qualify.
- Application Information Meetings are scheduled several times a year. At these meetings, completed application packets are turned in and applicants learn more about the application process and homeownership with Habitat Omaha.
- The Family Selection Committee carefully reviews all applications. Verified income is calculated, credit letters and credit reports are evaluated.(Note: Credit score is not a factor in the Family Selection process. Only current outstanding collections and judgments affect qualification. Habitat Omaha staff will work with applicants to find collections and judgments and educate them on how to pay those down so they can reapply if necessary.)
- Home visits are scheduled with applicant finalists who are then notified of acceptance or denial within 30 days of the home visit.
Acceptance
- Final approval is made by the Habitat Omaha Board of Directors (an independent volunteer board). Approved applicants attend the initial Acceptance Workshop before beginning their 350 hours of Sweat Equity.
- Accepted families attend educational workshops, including an individual conference with Consumer Credit Counseling Services and a series of homebuyer workshops with Family Housing Advisory Services.
Address Selection
- As the building schedule is established and addresses become available, lot selection agreements can be signed with families who have completed at least 75 hours of Sweat Equity.
- Sweat Equity and house construction continue.
Purchase and Homeownership
- Preparations for closing begin 30 days prior to house construction and Sweat Equity completion.
- Prior to purchase the $500 down payment is due. Credit reports are updated and evaluated and current income is verified.
- Homeowner's Insurance is obtained by the buyer and OPPD and MUD utility accounts are transferred.
- Loan documents are signed and home ownership begins.
- Monthly house payments, regular maintenance and home repair become the new way of life.
A future Habitat Omaha homeowner working on his Sweat Equity hours (left, by James Nedresky) and one of Habitat Omaha's 2012 Builders Blitz houses (right).
©2013 Habitat for Humanity International. All rights reserved. "Habitat for Humanity" is a registered trademark of Habitat for Humanity International.
