Homeownership
Waco Habitat for Humanity believes in offering a hand up out of poverty housing, not a hand out. We're on a mission to provide affordable housing and our homeowners join this mission. Our homebuying program helps low-income families escape poverty housing by building and buying an affordable home. Waco Habitat for Humanity sells homes to qualified applicants through a 30-year 0% interest-rate mortgage.
If you are interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner, please read the requirements below to see if you may qualify.
To be accepted into the homebuyer program, you must:
- be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- live or work in Waco-McLennan County for the past 12 months
To be accepted into the homebuyer program, you must demonstrate at least one (1) of the following:
- Currently living in housing that is overcrowded or in bad condition
- Currently paying 30% or more of your income for housing
- Currently unable to secure decent housing through other means, such as a conventional market loan
To be accepted into the homebuyer program, you must:
- Have stable income between 40% and 70% of the median income of Waco-McLennan County (Housing is considered affordable when the household pays no more than 30% of its total monthly income toward housing. We follow this guideline. If your income level would require you to spend more than 30% of your income on a Habitat mortgage, you may not qualify for our program. See the Qualification Income Limits chart below for local income limits.)
- Demonstrate an ability to make regular monthly payments for rent, utilities and other credit obligations, including mortgage payments, real estate taxes, and homeowner's insurance. We will help determine if this payment will jeopardize your ability to meet all of your family's financial obligations and expenses.
- Have been at current place of employment for at least one year
Qualification Income Limits
To be accepted into the homebuyer program and complete the homebuyer program (required to purchase a mortgage from Waco Habitat for Humanity) you must:
- Be able to save $1,800 while in the New Homeowner Program.
- Fulfill required "sweat equity" hours
- Disclose financial and personal information, including employment references, proof of income, payment stubs and records, etc.
- Complete Habitat program application requirements
- Attend all homebuyer workshop classes
- Promptly make monthly home mortgage payments
- Maintain and repair the home after occupancy
How to Apply for the New Homeowner Program
Step 1: Evaluate your eligibility and readiness
Habitat homeowners help build or repair their homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. To qualify, applicants must meet general eligibility requirements and have a need, the ability to pay, and a willingness to partner with Habitat. Applicants can evaluate their readiness for homeownership by completing the self-assessment and reviewing the FAQ below.
Self-Assessment
Step 2: Get an application by attending our Homeownership Information Session
No pre-registration required**
Step 3: Complete the application and gather all required documents
Copies of all required documents must be submitted with your application. All supporting documentation submitted with the application will be kept and cannot be returned to the applicant. Please do not bring originals, copies can be made at our office.
Step 4: Submit the application with a $35 application fee
Check or money order only — no cash accepted. The application fee is non-refundable.
Step 5: Await communication by mail
You will receive all communication regarding your application status by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Habitat for Humanity help families?
People in your community and all over the world partner with Habitat to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.
Will Waco Habitat for Humanity (WHFH) give me a house?
No, but if you meet the criteria and are accepted into the program, we will invite you to become a Habitat homebuyer and purchase one of our homes.
How are homebuyers selected?
Applicants submit a pre-screening questionnaire. Applications are reviewed by Director of Homeowner Services to determine household income and Debt-To-Income Ratio. If applicant meets requirement, they will be invited to fill out the full application for homeownership. Then, the Homebuyer Loan Committee, comprised of WHFH Directors will review applications with Director of Homeowner Services and determine which applicants qualify and recommend those who do for acceptance to the program. The Habitat Board of Directors then reviews those recommendations and decides on final approval. Total household income must to fall within 30-60% of the median household income range.
What is the first step towards purchasing a new home?
Attend one of our Homeowner Program Information Sessions. Applications are passed out after the session.
Will Waco Habitat for Humanity run a credit check?
Yes. We will ask you as a homebuyer applicant to submit financial documentation to us. We will verify employment, check credit, and make an assessment as to whether Habitat is an appropriate program for you. You are not required to have perfect credit, but WHFH must ensure that payments are being made. WHFH does not check your credit score – we use the details of the report to determine your outstanding debts (not including medical debts) and the payments you are making.
What is sweat equity?
Sweat equity can take many forms for partner families working with Habitat. It can mean construction work on their home or on a home for another family, cleaning up the build site, working in a Habitat ReStore, assisting in administrative duties, or countless other ways of helping out. It's about doing the work — the hard work — to bring an idea to life. Families are required to do a total of 300 hours.
How long is the process?
The process typically 18-24 months from application to house closing.
Do you require a down payment?
Yes, WHFH requires families to save $1,800 by closing for the first 2 months of taxes and insurance.
What else is expected of homebuyers?
In addition to sweat equity and homeowner classes, we ask homeowners to share their stories. We occasionally ask homeowners to talk about the program or be featured in media, but we always respect your privacy and wishes. At Habitat, we build community by asking you to meet neighbors, get involved in Homeowners' Associations and become a true partner to our program.
Other housing resources and information
- Check out resources at the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) website, where you can take their eligibility quiz (separate from Habitat for Humanity program) and learn about down-payment-assistance (some Habitat for Humanity homebuyers may be eligible for down-payment-assistance). TSAHC is a statewide nonprofit corporation created at the direction of the Texas Legislature.
- Learn more about Texas Bootstrap program.
- Not ready to buy a home? Find information about U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rental assistance programs.
- Did you know we also offer financial counseling to the public? Contact Homebuyer Services for more information about availability and our next classes.
The selection of homebuyers who purchase Habitat homes is considered by the Loan Committee with final approval from the Waco Habitat Board of Directors, using criteria that does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, age, handicap, religion, marital status, or because all or part of the applicant's income is derived from public assistance programs.
