Be a Homeowner

Have you wished and prayed to own your own home but thought it was an impossible dream? If you are interested in owning a home, attend one of our Orientation meetings.

Interested families must attend one of these Orientation meetings in order to qualify to become a Habitat Partner Family. Watch this site for dates, email or call us at 440.564.5848 for more information.

How can I qualify for a Habitat home in Geauga County?

All candidates must:

  • currently live in substandard or overcrowded housing;
  • live in Geauga County;
  • have stable income;
  • earn no more than 60% of the area median income;
  • contribute 500 “sweat equity” hours (family and friends can help);
  • have the ability to pay a no-interest loan

If selected, the homeowner is required to attend one-on-one seminars and home ownership maintenance sessions.

Do I get a Habitat home at no cost?

No. Habitat homeowners invest 500 hours in building their own homes, and the homes of others. Homeowners also pay for the home through a no-interest loan over a 20 or 30 year term. What a homeowner pays for the home is based on what he/she can afford. The cost of the home will not exceed 25-35% of the homeowner’s total annual income. Payments typically average about $500 per month, including taxes and insurance.

How do I know if my income qualifies me for a home?

Total annual earnings of the potential homeowner cannot exceed 60% of the area median income, based on family size (see chart). However, the potential homeowner also must have a steady income that enables him/her to pay a no interest loan.

Family Size Area Media Income 60% AMI
1 43,000 25,800
2 49,100 29,460
3 55,300 33,180
4 61,400 36,840
5 66,300 39,780
6 71,200 42,720
7 76,100 45,660
8 81,000 48,600

Where will my home be built?

Our homes are built where ever we can find affordable, buildable land in Geauga County. Families can turn down a site once, but they go to the end of the line before being offered a site again.

How long will it take for my house to be built?

Once the house is started, it takes about 27 weeks, working on Wednesdays and Saturdays, to finish a home. Because we are nearly an all-volunteer organization, it can take between 1- 2 years from the time a family is selected to the time they move in. A support specialist is assigned to the family during the wait.

What are “sweat equity” hours?

Families put in 500 hours of volunteer service, contributing at least 100 hours before their own home is started. Immediate family members can help accumulate some of the hours. (Other volunteer service is accepted for those physically not capable of working at the site.)