Could Habitat Homeownership Be Right for You?

Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County accepts applications for our Homeownership Program on a rolling basis.

Habitat homebuyers are selected based on three main criteria: need for housing, willingness to partner, and ability to pay.

If you meet the qualifications below and your household income falls within our income guidelines, we encourage you to contact us for an application.
 

1. Need for Housing

Housing need looks different for every household, and there are many ways to demonstrate a need for Habitat homeownership.
 

Your current housing situation may be overcrowded, unsafe, inadequate, or have accessibility or health concerns. You may be living with family or friends, paying more in rent than you can reasonably afford, or living too far from your place of employment.
 

Housing need can also mean that homeownership is simply out of reach through traditional options. You may be unable to qualify for a traditional mortgage, unable to afford the mortgage payment or required down payment, or unable to purchase a home at current market prices.
 

These are only examples. You do not need to fit into one specific category to have a housing need. Every household's circumstances are different, and we encourage you to contact us if you believe Habitat homeownership may be right for you.
 

2. Willingness to Partner

Habitat homeownership is a partnership. Approved applicants must be willing to actively participate in the program and prepare for successful homeownership.
 

Homebuyers are required to:

• Complete a minimum of six months of financial literacy education

• Complete required homebuyer education and home maintenance classes

• Complete 300 sweat equity hours for a single-adult household or 500 sweat equity hours for a two-adult household
   

Sweat equity volunteer hours are completed at the Habitat ReStore or on Habitat construction sites. Required financial literacy, homebuyer education, and home maintenance classes also count toward your program requirements.
 

3. Ability to Pay

Habitat homes are not free. Homebuyers purchase their homes with an affordable mortgage and must demonstrate the ability to make their monthly mortgage payment and other costs associated with homeownership.

In addition, your household income must fall within the income guidelines below:

​

Family Size                         Minimum Income                          Maximum Income
1 Person                              $44,000                                             $57,512
2 Person                              $44,000                                             $65,728
3 Person                              $44,000                                             $73,944
4 Person                              $44,000                                             $82,160
5 Person                              $44,000                                             $88,733
6 Person                              $44,000                                             $95,306
7 Person                              $44,000                                             $101,878
8 Person                              $44,000                                             $108,451

​

Income limits are based on household size and are subject to change. Meeting the income guidelines does not guarantee acceptance into the Homeownership Program.
 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you:

• Have a need for affordable homeownership

• Are willing to partner with Habitat

• Have the ability to pay an affordable mortgage

• Fall within the household income guidelines above

We encourage you to contact Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County to request an application.
 

Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County
1600 E. Perry St., Port Clinton, OH 43452
419-734-7074
director@habitatottawacounty.org