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Welcome to the Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County homeownership application process! Before completing the application, please read through these guidelines to make sure you understand the entire process prior to applying. Please contact the Homeowner Services Manager with any additional questions.

1. Verifiable Income- We are going to verify your income and it must be expected to continue for at least three years. This means we will need pay stubs, bank statements, and proof of benefits. Child Support will only be counted if it has been consecutive for the last 6 months of application submission date and will continue for the next three years. Proof of payment and the court order are required. Personal non-retirement assets cannot exceed $50,000 for applicants. This includes land.
    
2. Married Individuals- Both spouses must be listed on the application as applicant and co-applicant. Both individuals must meet the qualifying factors and provide all the required documentation.
    
3. Credit Check- We are going to review your credit. Your credit score must meet a 640 minimum. If you are applying with a co-applicant, both credit scores must meet the 640 minimum. If you know it does not meet our requirements, or you have no credit score, please reach out to the Homeowner Services Manager for resources on improving your credit. Please do not rely on credit karma or similar credit checks as these are often inaccurate or incomplete. Federal law gives you the right to get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus. We recommend utilizing this service, which can be accessed only by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 877-322-8228.
    
4. Debt-to-Income- Your debt-to-income (DTI) needs to be under 45%. Your DTI compares how much you owe each month to how much you earn. Your monthly home cost will be projected at 30% of your gross income (amount you make before deductions such as taxes). If you need assistance in configuring this, please reach out to the Homeowner Services Manager for local credit counselor resources.
    
5. Immediate Housing- Habitat for Humanity is not a plan for emergency housing, but for sustainable affordable housing. The process from application to closing on your new house could take anywhere from 6 - 12 months. If you need assistance with immediate housing, please reach out to our Homeowner Services Manager for local resources.
    
6. Sweat Equity Hours- Each applicant and co-applicant are required to volunteer 125 individual hours on our construction site. For people with disabilities, we make reasonable accommodations to ensure you fulfill your sweat equity hours. These hours also include workshops, education classes, and being present at events. These hours are typically available Tuesday - Saturday from 8am-3pm. Your schedule would need to be free on one of these days in order to fulfill your sweat equity requirements.
    
7. Homeowner Selection Committee- Your application will then go under review with the Homeowner Selection Committee. If approved you will enter into the second application stage which will include a criminal background check, sexual offender check, employment verification, and a loan prequalification meeting to determine eligibility status established by our lender.