How much does a Habitat house cost? How much are the monthly payments? How does a Habitat mortgage work?
After Habitat helps build the house, Habitat acts as the lender for a 20-year interest free mortgage. The money that the family pays back to Habitat is then channeled into the construction of more Habitat homes for other families. The new homeowner will only pay the costs to build the home, $50,000 - $60,000. The down payment is about $1300 and not paid until you move into the house. The monthly mortgage is at least $550-$650 a month; this includes an escrow payment for taxes and insurance, but does not include any utilities. Habitat sells the house at no profit and with no interest on the mortgage.

Do I have to work to help in the construction of the house?
Yes, that is a key part of the Habitat program, which we call “sweat equity.” Homeowners work alongside Habitat staff and volunteers in the construction of their own homes and those of their neighbors. You must work one full 8-hour day a week from the start of construction until the completion of the house. The time until completion is typically 5-6 months.

Do I have to know anything about construction?
No. We will teach you and provide expert supervision.

Can I start my sweat equity hours whenever I want?
No, we ask that you begin your sweat equity hours once you have been selected for a specific site and construction begins on your home. Of course you are always welcome to donate additional hours as a volunteer.

How long does it take to get a Habitat house?
The length of time to get a house can vary. On average, the family selection process takes 4 months, and construction takes from 5-6 months.

How many Habitat houses are available?
Miami Habitat builds about 40 new houses a year.

How do I qualify for a Habitat house?
Please see the Family Selection Criteria.

Do you have to be a Christian to become a Habitat homeowner?
Habitat for Humanity was founded as, and still is, a Christian ministry. However, homeowners are selected without regard to creed, both in keeping with the requirements of the law and Habitat’s belief that God's love extends to all regardless of race, religion or nationality.

Do you have to have a job to become a Habitat homeowner?
Habitat requires that you earn enough money to use no more than 40% of your total monthly income to pay the monthly Habitat mortgage payments and all other monthly debt obligations. While some Habitat homeowners may receive public assistance, most have jobs. Habitat for Humanity works in good faith with people who are at risk financially, knowing that owning a home is not the answer to every problem, but can be an important step - often the first step - toward breaking out of the cycle of poverty.

Do you have to be a US citizen to become a Habitat homeowner?
You must be either a US citizen or a permanent resident to qualify for a Habitat house.

What if I have a lot of debt?
We must make a detailed analysis of your application. The biggest problem is what we call “bad” debt - which includes accounts in collections, charged off, or the subject of a legal judgment. All of your bad debt must be paid off before you can actually buy the house. We therefore reject applications where bad debt is more than about $1,500.

Your “current” debt - which is debt in good standing, including our mortgage - must not require monthly payments of more than 40% of your gross family income.

Can I qualify if I am handicapped?
Yes.  We will work out a special arrangement by which you can satisfy Habitat’s “sweat equity” requirements through limited construction duties or work in the office.

How can I apply for a Habitat house?
Please see the Apply for a Home page.

When can I apply for a Habitat house?
After attending a Family Information Meeting.