Frequently Asked Questions

How many homes are available?

There are two homes available in Standish and one home available in Freeport. The Freeport home is nearly complete and the Standish homes will begin construction in summer 2023.

Where are the houses in Standish?
These homes will be located on Natures Way in Steep Falls.

What do these houses look like?
We haven’t built this model of home yet, so we don’t have any pictures to show you. However, they will be:
– one level
– have three bedrooms
– between 900-1200 square feet

Where is the home in Freeport?
There is one home available on Old Brunswick Road in Freeport.

What does the Freeport home look like?
The Freeport home is nearing the end of construction and is:
– two level
– three bedrooms, 1.5 baths
– around 1300 square feet

Once completed, it will look similar to the house below:

Are Habitat homes free?
No, Habitat homes are not free. Homeowners pay a low-interest mortgage with an affordable monthly payment that does not exceed 30% of the homeowner’s income.

How much money do I need to make to qualify for a home?
This depends on the size of your family and what the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) calls the Area Median Income (AMI), which means how much money people in our geographic area make. To qualify for a home in Standish, you must make at least $30,000 but no more than 65% AMI. To qualify for a home in Freeport, you cannot make more than 80% AMI. Check out this chart here to see if you qualify. You must make at least $30,000, but no more than the number you see on the chart next to your family size.

What tax returns do I need to submit with my application?
We require copies of the last three years tax returns. This means we need to see them from 2019, 2020, and 2021.

What if I’m self-employed?
If you’re self employed, we need copies of your 1099.

Do I need to have a good credit score?
Your credit score needs to be 660 or higher. Want to know how to improve your credit score? Talk to your bank or contact Avesta’s Homeownership Center.

What should my debt-to-income ratio be?
43% or lower. Unsure what yours is? Use this calculator tool to find out.
If you want help improving your debt-to-income ratio, reach out to your bank or Avesta’s Homeownership Center. 

Can I apply for a home in Standish AND Freeport?
Yes, but you must fill out two separate applications.

Can my application be carried over to the next application cycle if I don’t get a house this cycle?
No, you must fill out a new application for every new application cycle.

When will applications for South Portland be open?
We anticipate opening applications for South Portland in the fall.

Call or email Family Services Director, Molly Brake at:
molly@habitatme.org
207-772-2151 x 104