Homebuyer Program

Our Habitat Homebuyer Program provides a unique opportunity for hard-working, low-income individuals and families to help build and buy their own home. We work closely with qualified individuals and families to build safe, permanent, and affordable homes in Skagit County.

See below our program requirements & processes.

 

Step One: Attend an Affordable Housing Orientation

Families interested in applying for a Skagit Habitat for Humanity home begin by attending a mandatory Affordable Housing Orientation. At the meeting, we will explain the program requirements, criteria, and expectations; describe the type of homes we build; and talk about how the application process works and answer questions. Meetings are scheduled on an irregular basis to coincide with upcoming new construction.

2023 Gross Income Guidelines

Numbers represent 30%-60% of the county's median gross income according to the US Department of Housing & Urban Development

Step Two: Submit Your Completed Application

In order to be considered, each application must include all required documents and be received by the Skagit Habitat office by the established deadline date. The information provided on the application, including any information received from references, will be kept confidential within the limits of the law. Required documents and information include:

• Original photo identification for all applicants
• Original or Certified proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate or permanent residency card
• COPIES (no originals) two months of most recent paycheck stubs for all sources of income in your household.
• COPIES (no originals) of official letters from each source of assistance income (SSD,SSI, TANF, child support, etc.)
• COPIES (no originals) of the two most recent completed income tax return with all supporting documentation
• COPIES (no originals) of the two previous years W2 forms for all sources of income
• Complete list of all debts and full discharge paperwork of any bankruptcy
• Names, phone numbers, emails, and addresses of employers and other sources of income
• Name, phone number, email and mailing address of your current landlord
• Names, phone numbers, and addresses of three   personal references, two of them not related to you
• If you do not have three credit references that will show up on a credit report, you must bring letters or statements from your landlord and two companies (such as Puget Sound Energy, Cascade Natural Gas, a phone company, or an insurance company) showing that you have paid on time for the past 12 months

**Additional documentation may be required.

Step Three: Application Review by the Homebuyer Selection Committee

Each completed application will be reviewed by the Homebuyer Selection Committee. All potential applicants will be screened against the sex offender registry and criminal background will be checked. In addition, resources and references provided in the application, including but not limited to employers, personal references, and credit rating will be checked.

The applicant family’s income and debt will be determined using information and documents provided in their application. The next step in determining eligibility is the in-home interview during which committee members meet with everyone listed on the application as part of the family. Housing need and willingness to partner are evaluated.

The committee then meets to review each application and recommends those applicants meeting all requirements to the Skagit Habitat Board of Directors for approval and acceptance as a future Habitat Homebuyer. Applicants that do not meet all requirements will receive a letter detailing why they did not qualify and are welcome to re-apply in the future.

Expectations of new Future Homebuyers

The Future Homeowner agrees to perform a minimum of 250 ‘Sweat Equity’ hours (per applicant) in partnership with Skagit Habitat. All hours must be completed before the future Habitat Homebuyer can close on their mortgage and move into the home. ‘Sweat Equity’ hours support and foster the efforts of Skagit Habitat to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter and may be earned by:

• attending required educational classes and workshops,
• volunteering at special events supporting Skagit Habitat's mission and work (ex. Raise the Roof Gala, NPSAR Golf Tournament
• volunteering at the Skagit Habitat Store,
• working on the homes of other future Habitat Homebuyers,
• working on their own future Habitat Homes.

Your photos and likeness may be posted on social media and other marketing platforms.