Frequently Asked Question

1. How much does a Habitat house cost? 
The homes are typically under market value. Habitat only requires $4,000 towards closing costs, which can be paid in installments.

2. How much are the monthly payments?
Our mortgage payments are never set above 30% of income, and the average monthly installment is approximately $1,500.00. The mortgage payment includes principal, taxes, and insurance. 

3. How much does it cost to apply for a Habitat home?
A $30 non-refundable money order must be submitted with the application.

4. How much interest do you charge on a Habitat home?
Habitat sells the homes at no profit, and with 0% (zero percent) interest on the mortgage.

5. Can I apply as a single applicant if I am still legally married but living separately from my spouse?
No. If you are legally married, Habitat requires that both spouses be part of the application and apply as co-applicants.

6. Can I apply for my children or other family members if they live in another county? 
All applicants and occupants must live or work in Miami-Dade County.

7. Can I apply if I have filed bankruptcy?
Yes, but the bankruptcy release date must be at least 4 years old.

8. Do I have to be a US citizen to apply?
To apply you must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident. This applies to all applicants and co-applicants. 

9. What kind of income do I need to qualify?
The maximum income levels are listed below: Minimum qualifying incomes are based on property location. 

Family of 1
Max Income

Family of 2
Max Income

Family of 3
Max Income​

Family of 4
Max Income

Family of 5
Max Income

Family of 6
Max Income

Family of 7
Max Income

Family of 8
Max Income

$76,300

$87,200​

$98,100​

$109,000​

$117,750​

$126,450​

$135,150

$143,900​

​10. How do I verify my income if I get paid in cash?
In order to verify cash income, you must deposit earnings into the same bank account each time you get paid. The cash income must be reported on your IRS Form 1040 when you file taxes. ​​
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11. Do I have to have a job to become a Habitat homeowner?
Habitat requires that you receive enough monthly income to be able to afford a Habitat home. Affordability is determined through income such as work, child support, SSI, or other sources. Your mortgage payment cannot exceed 30% of your total monthly income. Refer to available lot list for minimum income requirements.

12. Does Habitat require a certain score on a credit report?
Habitat does not use credit scores as a basis for creditworthiness. We look at good debt and bad debt levels. "Good debt" is an account that is being paid on time; "bad debt" is an account that has gone to collections and/or charged off. In order to apply, your bad debt must be less than $500, except for medical collections which must be under $5,000.

13. If my credit is good, but my co-applicant's credit is not, can I apply?
Both applicants' credit will be subject to the same criteria.

14. Am I allowed to have any non sufficient funds or overdrawn balances on my bank statements at time of application?
Yes, you are allowed to have a maximum of 3 NSFs within the last 3 bank statements. If you exceed 3 NSFs, your application will be denied.​ If selected for the program, no NSFs will be allowed. 

15. Do I have to help in the construction of the house?
Yes. If selected, you will be required to work one full 8-hour day per week until the house is completed. This is what we call “sweat equity.” A single applicant will need to put in a minimum of 200 hours of sweat equity, with 100 of those being construction hours; while two applicants will work a minimum of 250 hours with 150 of those being construction hours.   

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

17. How are homeowners selected?
A family selection committee reviews all applicants that meet our 3 requirements: housing need, ability to repay, and willingness to partner. Habitat follows a non-discriminatory selection process. Homeowner selection is made without regard to race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, disability, color, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected category.

18. Where can I get an application?
Please only download the application if there is an address that interests you. At that time, you can complete the application, make copies of all the required documents on Page 2, and submit the entire package by mail or in person at the Habitat office. Our office is located at 3800 NW 22 Avenue Miami, FL  33142. Please make certain to include a $30 money order, made out to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami, or your application review process will be delayed.​ ​Find the application here. ​
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19. How long will it take to process my application?
We will provide feedback within 30 days of receiving your application.​

20. Can I apply for a Habitat home if I previously owned another Habitat home?
An applicant(s) cannot be a previous Habitat home recipient in Miami-Dade or any other county, regardless of how many years ago.

21. Can I apply for a Habitat home if I previously owned another home?
Habitat for Humanity is a first time homebuyer program. If you owned a home in the past you will need to wait 3 years to become a first time homebuyer again.

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