Looking for an affordable way to buy a simple home

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You must complete and qualify under all the requirements listed below.

You can find the application under the next section of requirements.

•  You will be considered for a Habitat for Humanity home if your present housing is NOT adequate, and if you are not able to obtain adequate housing through other conventaional means. Lack of adequate housing  may include problems with the present structure; water, electrical or sewage services systems; heating system, or failure to meet city property maintenance standards. Also taken into consideration are the number, the ages and the sex of the children compared to the number of bedrooms in your current home.
•  The percentage of your monthly income that you currently spend on housing is considered to determine need. You will be required to openly and fully discuss your financial situation with a Habitat Interviewer.. You must currently live in Muscatine County and have lived here for at least one year.You and your family will be considered if your total income before taxes (gross) is not over the range of 80% of the Muscatine County median family income using these figures.

For Example:

Persons      Min (50%)             Max(80%) 

   1.                 $29,500                 $47,150 

   2.                 $33,700                 $53,900 

    3.                 $37,900                 $60,650  

     4.                 $42,100                 $67,350   

     5.                $45,500                  $72,750  

      6.                 $48,850                  $78,150  

    7.                $52,250                   $83,550

                                                  8.                $55,600                  $88,950                                               

• Since you will actually be buying your home from Habitat for Humanity, you must demonstrate your willingness to pay the monthly mortgage payment. This payment will include not only the mortgage payment, but the payment for real estate taxes and insurance. We will help you determine if this payment will jeopardize your ability to meet all your other family financial obligations and expenses. We can also help you if you need to develop a budget to determine your eligibility. There is no interest on the loan for a Habitat home.

•  When selected, you become a "partner family" in the Habitat movement. To become a "partner family", you will be required to contribute sweat equity before becoming a home owner. Your assistance in constructing your home and the homes of others is called "sweat equity", and may include construction, housing education classes, and providing food for volunteers. 
• As a partner family, you must complete 300 hours of sweat equity. Your family can receive up to 100 hours by applying time put it in your behalf by friends and relatives who join in the work.
• You will be responsible for maintenance and repairs of your house from the time you move into your home.
• After moving into your home, the Family Support Committee will maintain an ongoing relationship with, this may include financial counseling and household maintenance education, if requested.