Applicants complete an extensive selection process, including an in-depth financial review, underwriting analysis and at-home visits. Applicants must meet the income guidelines for their household size as dictated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, show a history of responsible credit, have a debt-to-income level below 40%, and be willing and able to perform 500 hours of “sweat equity” to build their own home. The selection process, construction of the home, and sweat equity can typically take 18 months.
Selected partner families learn how to build their homes on the construction site and are ultimately better prepared to take on the many maintenance responsibilities as homeowners. In addition, each partner family must complete a comprehensive Training Curriculum designed to educate and prepare them for successful home ownership. Along with building a home comes pride of ownership and a significant impact on the future success for Habitat children.
Family Selection Requirements
Applicants must meet these requirements:
Residency
Must have lived or worked in Santa Clara County consistently for 12 months
Household must have lived together consistently for 12 months
Applicant(s) must be legal permanent U.S. resident(s) or citizen(s)
Preference is given to applicants who reside in the city where homes are available
First-Time Homebuyer
Must not have owned, co-owned or held any interest in real estate in the last 3 years
Credit / Debt
Applicants must have a debt-to-income ratio of less than 40%
Applicants must have consistent on-time credit payments
Income
Income must meet HUD requirements of 30-50% of the median gross annual income for Santa Clara County households of comparable size, as reflected in the table below:
| Family Size | Minimum | Maximum |
| Income Limit | Income Limit | |
| (30% of Area Median Income, AMI) |
(50% of Area Median Income, AMI) |
|
| 1 | $21,800 | $36,300 |
| 2 | $24,900 | $41,450 |
| 3 | $28,000 | $46,650 |
| 4 | $31,100 | $51,800 |
| 5 | $33,600 | $55,950 |
| 6 | $36,100 | $60,100 |
| 7 | $38,600 | $64,250 |
| 8 | $41,100 | $68,400 |
| From 2011 HUD Annual Report | ||
Family Selection Criteria
The Family Selection Committee, a group of dedicated Habitat volunteers, selects qualified families on an impartial and non-discriminatory basis. Race, color, gender, national origin, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, age, religion, and disability are not part of the decision-making process. Applicants are evaluated based on three main areas:
Need for Housing
Currently living in inadequate housing conditions, which are substandard, overcrowded, unsafe, or are paying rent too high in relation to monthly income.
Applicant otherwise, cannot qualify for conventional real estate financing.
Families must have sufficient annual income to meet the expenses of home ownership (house payment, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, maintenance). Those below the minimum amount shown will not financially qualify in the selection process. Applications will be considered from families whose annual income falls at or below the upper income guidelines.
Ability to Pay
Can demonstrate a history of regular income.
Ability to make monthly payments on a no-interest mortgage, property taxes and insurance.
Willingness to Partner
Must fulfill “sweat equity” commitment by contributing 500 volunteer hours towards the mission of Habitat for Humanity Silicon Valley, most of which is in the construction of the home.
Be responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the home from the time of move in.
Must be willing to show your support at events for Habitat developments and on occasion speak on behalf of Habitat and homeownership.
