Home Ownership

Are you in need of better housing because your current home is too small, poorly built or not affordable?

Do you have a steady income and good credit?

Are you willing to partner with Habitat by investing 200 hours of “sweat equity”?

Do you live or work in Benzie County and are prepared to own a home?

How It Works

What does Habitat for Humanity do?

Habitat for Humanity, is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry, that works in partnership with families that need to improve their living conditions. Habitat challenges local individuals, churches, businesses and charitable organizations to provide the funding required to build affordable and energy efficient homes. Habitat helps partner families obtain low interest mortgage loans with affordable monthly payments.

What Are the Criteria for Becoming a Habitat Partner?

NEED FOR BETTER HOUSING

Need varies from family to family. The level of need is determined by our Family Selection & Support Committee. Some examples of need are: not enough living space or bedrooms for your family, home needs major repairs or is unsafe, you are temporarily living with friends or family, cost (typically rent) is not affordable (over 30% of gross income), or you are unable to obtain a conventional mortgage.

ABILITY TO PAY

• You must have a reliable monthly income and demonstrate a history of financial responsibility.
• You need a satisfactory credit history and references (no liens or judgements).
• The total of all your monthly debt payments plus your mortgage payments cannot exceed 41% of your income.
• Your gross annual household income must be within the Income Limits by Household Size Chart below.

WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER WITH HABITAT

Applicant(s) must sign a “Partnership Agreement” document. They must agree to 200 hours per Applicant of Sweat Equity work. This includes attending Home Ownership and other required classes, helping to work on their own or other Habitat homes, or volunteering for other Habitat projects or other Benzie County Non-Profit organizations.

RESIDENCY

You must be residents of or employed in Benzie County for at least one year prior to applying to our Homeownership Program.

For more information, please contact:
Habitat for Humanity of Benzie County
PO Box 53
Frankfort, MI 49635
E-mail: info@benziehabitat.org
Leave a message at:  (231) 399-0300

Apply for Home Ownership

• Fill out the Home Ownership Application online and submit.  It will be automatically sent to Benzie Habitat
• or download, print, fill out a paper application and mail to USPS address above.

Online Application Printable Application