How to Apply
If you are interested in learning more about Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County’s application and selection process, please carefully review the following information.
The short version:
- APPLICANTS will attend a homeownership information session and complete an intake interview
- HFH-MC will notify you if and when you are matched to an appropriate project
- APPLICANTS will complete a full application within two weeks of notification
- HFH-MC will review your application
- APPLICANTS will be notified of a selection decision within six months of submitting a full application
The extended version:
1. Attend a Homeownership Information Session – held once a month
To start the process, interested homebuyers must attend an HFH-MC Homeownership Information Session held at our office. Registration is strongly encouraged because walk-ins might not be allowed. Please click here to register online for an upcoming session. Only one adult per application needs to attend this session.
During the session, attendees will learn about the Habitat homeownership model, requirements for purchasing a home, the selection process, selection criteria, etc. All interested attendees will then undergo an intake meeting with a Family Selection Committee Member.
PLEASE NOTE: Attendance at an information session and completion of an intake meeting does not guarantee receipt of an application, notification of projects, nor selection as a Habitat homebuyer. After a successful intake meeting, HFH-MC will keep applicant information on file for up to SIX months or until the applicant is notified of THREE projects or until the applicant chooses to SUBMIT an application for homeownership, whichever comes first.
2. Notification of Project / Request to Submit Application – up to six months
After reviewing the intake information collected at the homeownership information session, HFH-MC will try to match interested families with an upcoming project.
A few key things to remember about step two:
- HFH-MC will not always have projects to match with interested applicants
- Applicants do not have to submit an application for each project
- Intake information will be kept on file for up to SIX months or until the applicant is notified of THREE projects or until the applicant chooses to SUBMIT an application for homeownership, whichever comes first
3. Application Submission – two weeks
Applicants who are notified of a project will have the option of submitting a full application to purchase one of the project homes. A complete application must be received within two weeks. No missing information will be allowed; an incomplete application will be denied!
4. Application Review – up to three months
HFH-MC will carefully review the application to determine whether a family fulfills the required criteria. If the application fulfills the criteria, a home visit will occur. (You can view detailed criteria here: http://habitat-mc.org/homeownership/detailed_selection.html)
The home visit has three goals:
- To determine housing need
- To discuss the mortgage and loan package as well as home specifications
- To answer questions
A final decision regarding approval or denial for purchase is not determined during the home visit. HFH-MC will complete an application evaluation after the home visit in preparation for final review.
5. Notification of Selection Decision – within two months of home visit
The Family Selection Committee meets monthly to discuss potential homebuyers and make a decisions on whether to approve or deny a family. A final approval must be given by HFH-MC’s Board of Directors on whether or not a family can purchase a home from HFH-MC.
Inevitably, there will be more qualified homebuyers than homes available so not all qualified families will be able to purchase. Please do not let a denial from HFH-MC end your search to purchase a simple, decent, affordable home in Montgomery County.
