Homeownership Program Information
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      3. Homeownership Program Information

      Homeownership Program Eligibility

      What are the income and credit requirements for the Homeownership Program?

      • Income: Maintain annual gross income within our income guidelines (see chart below) from initial intake to loan application.

      • Credit score: 620+ preferred

        • Options available for those with invisible credit/no credit

      • Debt-to-Income: Monthly debt payments equal to no more than 13% of gross monthly income

        • 0.5% of student loans in deferment or forbearance will be counted in the monthly debt payments. (For example: If you owe $40,000 in student loans, $200 will be counted in monthly debt payments.)

      • Collections: Less than $1,000 in non-medical collections (medical collections do not impact eligibility)

      • Judgments: All judgments paid off

      • Savings: $6,300

        • $3,000 closing costs

        • One year homeowners' insurance

        • Approximately $1,800 reserves

      • Employment: Minimum 24-month employment history, with at least six months at current job for full-time jobs. Two years at current position for part-time and self-employed workers.

      • Bankruptcy: Minimum of two years since the bankruptcy, with two years of re-established credit and no late payments or default

      • Foreclosure/Short Sale History: Minimum of three years since a foreclosure or short sale

      I live in the Twin Cities but I want to move out of the metro area. Can Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity help me buy a home elsewhere?

      Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program eligibility requires that buyers have lived in the Twin Cities Metro Area for at least the past year. 

      Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity develops, builds, and renovates homes in the 7-county metro area (Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Washington, Dakota, Carver, and Scott counties). 

      Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity would not be able to assist in the purchase of a home outside these areas but another Habitat for Humanity affiliate might be able to assist. 

      Do I have to be married or have a family to apply for the Homeownership program?

      Single individuals can purchase a Habitat home on their own or with other adults, including multi-generational family members. All applicants MUST live full-time in the home and be at least 18 years old. Any household members must be living in Minnesota at the time of application to be considered part of the household.

      I am not a U.S. Citizen; can I still apply to the Homeownership Program?

      Yes! If you have permanent residency status and have lived in the Twin Cities seven-county area for at least one consecutive year, you can apply for the Homeownership Program. 

      What are collections and judgments?

      Collections and judgments are types of 'derogatory debt' that can negatively affect your credit.

      Collections are unpaid debt that have gone to the lender's collections department or 3rd party collection agency. 

      Judgments are debt that have gone through the court system in an attempt to collect. 

      You can read more about these types of debt, how they can affect your credit, and approaches on how to address them on our blog. 

      I'm experiencing homelessness. Can I purchase a Habitat for Humanity home?

      Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity homes are available to all homebuyers that meet program requirements and successfully complete the Homeownership Program.  View our program requirements here.