Qualifying for Homeownership

Future homebuyers must meet the following criteria:

1.    Live and/or Work in Fluvanna County

Interested people who do NOT live and/or work in Fluvanna are not eligible to partner with Fluvanna Habitat; however, should contact the Habitat for Humanity in the county of Virginia that they currently live and/or work.

2.    Be in need better housing

Potential homebuyers may currently live in overcrowded conditions or in a home that is poorly built, unhealthy, or damaged. Or, they may be experiencing housing instability, or have rent payments that are not affordable.

3.    Willing to partner with Fluvanna Habitat

Habitat homebuyers must be willing to put 150 hours of “sweat equity” per adult by participating in some aspect of the homebuilding process. Individuals with disabilities or otherwise unable to physically help in the homebuilding process are offered other volunteer opportunities to fulfill these requirements. Sweat equity hours include meetings or classes in personal finances, home maintenance, community conversations and other activities that help ensure long-term stability and success. Habitat’s path to homeownership is an important and in-depth process, requiring hard work, time, and dedication. This dedication helps to ensure the long-term success of Habitat homeowners.

4.    Be able to pay an affordable monthly mortgage

Because homebuyers purchase a home from Habitat, they must be able to demonstrate that they can pay a monthly mortgage payment. Unlike rent payments, monthly mortgage payments go towards full ownership of a home.  We partner with individuals and families throughout the homebuyer process to mentor them in improving their overall financial health and developing appropriate repayment plans that will help them pay off existing debts. Habitat works with future homebuyers who may need to improve their credit scores.

5.    Pass a background check

Each adult applying for a Habitat home must pass both a criminal and sexual offender background check.

6.    Meet income requirements

The table below can help determine if interested homebuyers meet the income qualification range for the number of people in the family. Begin by finding the number in blue that matches the number of people in the family including the homebuyer. Next, look below that number in green, and find the Annual household income range. If the annual household income falls between the range listed, then the income qualification for Fluvanna County Virginia is met. Here is an example:

Example:A family of 5 people who have a combined annual household income of $42,000, WOULD meet the income qualification for Fluvanna County Virginia. It falls at/between the annual household income range of $33,160 and $49,740 for a family of 5.

Additional Information on Credit Scores – and how we help our family partners/future homeowners

Fluvanna Habitat for Humanity has partnered with the USDA 502 program that pays Habitat back for all house expenses when a home is sold. That helps us with the funds needed to build our next home. Homeowners pay their monthly mortgage payment directly to USDA. To partner with Fluvanna Habitat and USDA, each homeowner must pre-qualify for the monthly mortgage they will be expected to pay. A credit score of 640 or higher is required. We are willing and able to work with families that want to increase their credit score. We utilize our financial education courses along with budget and financial counseling to help our future homeowners. Sometimes, this process takes a short time and sometimes it could take several years to accomplish depending on your individual financial situation. Once a future homeowner has reached the credit score goal, they qualify to purchase a Fluvanna Habitat home.

What in my Credit Report would cause me to be disqualified from becoming a future homeowner with Fluvanna Habitat?

Fluvanna Habitat for Humanity must follow USDA and Habitat approved guidelines when approving future homeowners. Per guidelines, we cannot approve a mortgage application if your credit report contains one or more of the following:

• A foreclosure completed within the last 5 years
• An IRS tax lien or other tax liens if no payment arrangements have been made
• Debts, collections, judgements or write offs if no payment arrangements been made
• Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged within the last 5 years
• If you have not successfully completed Chapter 13 requirements within the last 12 months

Additional Resources 

Fluvanna County Habitat for Humanity realizes that it cannot help all people in all situations.  Here are some links that you may find helpful if you realize you do not qualify for a Habitat house:

Fluvanna County Social Services

Virginia Department of Health

United Way Thomas Jefferson Area

United Way Quick Reference Resource Guide