Program Overview & Requirements
Habitat Greater Portland partners with families to build a home that you can afford. That includes an affordable mortgage and an energy-efficient home to keep your monthly utilities low.
The process of completing your volunteer “sweat equity” hours and the building of your home typically takes upwards of 12-18 months. In that time, Habitat will prepare you for homeownership financially as well as empower you to maintain your new home yourself.
Upon completion of your home and your sweat equity hours, we will work with you on closing, resulting in an affordable mortgage on a new home and that you own!
Qualifications
Income requirements may vary per project based upon requirements made by Habitat funders.
Income Requirements for Standish and South Portland Homeownership
Family Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Max. Income | $54,373 | $62,140 | $69,908 | $77,675 | $83,889 |
Application & Approval Process
The timeline of when applications are available depends upon our build schedule. Once applications become available, you have several weeks to complete it. During this time, Habitat staff is available to answer questions and help you fill out the application.
Anyone who has filled out an interest form will be contacted via email when homeownership applications become available. The application window for homes in South Portland is now open.
Once you hand in your completed application, your information will be presented to a local community bank to determine if you can afford a Habitat home. The bank will contact you to collect your proof of income, tax-returns, and other important financial info.
Mortgage payments will not be more than 30% of your gross monthly income.
If the bank has decided you can afford to purchase a home, members of the Family Services Committee will conduct a home visit to see the conditions you are currently living in and meet all members of your household.
If the Family Services Committee recommends your application for selection, the Habitat Board of Directors will review your materials and give final approval. You’re ready to begin the journey to homeownership with Habitat!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.