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Am I Qualified?

HFHM's family selection committee chooses homeowners based on several criteria, including their ability to repay the no-interest loan, level of need, and their willingness to become partners in the program. HFHM follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection.​
 

Primary Considerations

Partner Families must meet several criteria.  The areas below are the primary considerations used in selecting a Homeowner Partner. 

Residency & Housing

Residency Requirements

  • Be a U.S. citizen

  • Be a resident of Middlesex County for a minimum of one year

  • Be a first-time homeowner

 

Are you living in substandard housing due to

  • High cost / rent - above 35% of net monthly income

  • Condition is below minimum standards

  • Current situation is overcrowded

  • Living with another family

Income & Financial Stability

Homeowner Partners must be able to make long-term mortgage payments demonstrating financial responsibility and stability. 

 

Factors for consideration include

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  • Annual income must fall within qualifying range

  • Length of time with current employer is considered

  • Ability to pay closing costs

    • A monthly payment plan will be set up to help cover closing costs and demonstrate financial responsibility throughout the process.​

Credit & Criminal Background

Habitat for Humanity Middlesex will conduct both a credit and criminal background check on all potential Homeowner Partners.  

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Credit History

  • Should not have outstanding judgments or bankruptcies (other than medical) in the last three years

  • Should be no accounts more than 60-days past due

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Criminal Background

  • No felony convictions

  • No sex offender database

  • No outstanding warrants

Partnership

Homeowner Partners must demonstrate a willingness to partner with Habitat Middlesex through ​sweat equity requirements and financial workshops.

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Sweat Equity

  • Homeowner Partners are required to provide 400 hours of "Sweat Equity" to assist in the construction of their home.

 

Training Workshops

  • Homeowner Partners are required to attend and complete training in areas such as budgeting, home ownership, legal issues, and energy efficiency.

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