How can I become a Habitat homeowner?

There are four basic criteria for becoming a DuPage Habitat homeowner.

1. Need
2. Ability to make mortgage payments
3. Required to invest a minimum of 500 hours of “sweat equity”
4. To become a DuPage County resident

1. Need is determined by your current housing... is it substandard or unsafe with many repairs needed?... is it overcrowded?... is the rent too high for your income?...do you have accessibility problems for a family member?

2. Ability to pay is assessed on... the stability of family income...having a work record of several years... having an income of $24,000 to $59,000 (depending on family size, see our income guidelines chart for more)... having a manageable debt to income ratio.

3. DuPage Habitat prospective homeowners are required to INVEST a minimum of 250 hours of "sweat equity" for each applicant and co-applicant working on their home and/or other DuPage Habitat homes, at fund raisers and events, or in the office. Some of these hours must be contributed before an applicant is assigned to a house that will be built.

4. To be considered a DuPage County resident you must be able to proof that you currently reside in any of towns in the DuPage County, Illinois.

Steps to Take

1. Attend an orientation meeting
2. Fill out an application
3. Turn in requested documentation
4. Habitat checks your credit and references
5. Habitat visits you at your current home
6. You are selected as a candidate
7. Begin earning sweat equity
8. Make pre-payments and attend classes
9. You are designated for a specific house
10. Finish 100% of your sweat equity
11. Close on your completed house
12. Become a Habitat homeowner

For further information please e-mail us at dhfh@dupagehabitat.org