Some of our most Frequently Asked Questions about homeownership are answered here. You’ll find information about
Eligibility and qualification
- How do you choose who participates in the program?
Families are selected based on need and stewardship skills. Those with the greatest need and ability to make the mortgage payments who demonstrate stewardship will be selected first. Because Habitat wants these homes to be blessings and not burdens, a family will not be selected to receive a house until they clearly establish an ability to make house payments and to take care of a home. For more information review our eligibility requirements.
- Do you give away homes?
No. Habitat for Humanity of the Magic Valley is both a builder and a mortgage company. All applicants who qualify for a home must have a steady source of income, with which to repay a no interest mortgage on-time, in-full each and every month.
- Do I must have children to qualify for a Habitat House?
No. Age, sex, race, sexual preference and religion do not play a part in the Habitat selection process. We are looking for poorly housed people with no way to buy a home on their own who will partner with Habitat to build their own home. We want people who will make house payments on-time, will maintain their home inside and outside, and will, by their actions, help spread the good news of Habitat throughout the community. Again, need and stewardship are the criteria for selection of families to receive Habitat homes.
Ownership of a Habitat house
- If I buy a Habitat house, can I ever sell it?
Yes. A Family who purchases a Habitat-built and financed home may sell it at any time, but up until the mortgage is completely paid (in 20 to 30 years depending on the length of the mortgage), Habitat retains the “right of first refusal” and can buy back the home for the amount the family has paid for it. If Habitat chooses to let the family sell the Habitat home on the open market , Habitat, not the family, gets the profits above the original value of the home from such a sale.
Habitat home-buyers must view their home as an investment in their family’s safety and well-being , not as a way to make money. The idea of Habitat, is to build a stable community of homes rather than just houses.
- Are there any other restrictions on owning a Habitat House?
Yes. Like all other affordable housing programs, Habitat for Humanity of the Magic Valley requires that its houses are homeowner occupied. This means that you cannot use it for business purposes, move out and leave it empty, rent it out, or move out and let others live there instead. After a homeowner has fully paid off the mortgage, these restrictions are removed. And, like all other mortgage companies, Habitat requires that the property (house and yard) are maintained in good condition.
- If my income increases after I have bought my house, will that affect my status?
No. Habitat encourages all of its homeowners to continually improve their financial status through additional education, training, or job promotions/changes that provide better pay, hours and/or locations. Our hopes are that having a stable home will free up time and energy to pursue additional opportunities. We’ve had homeowners who have consistently paid their mortgages, continued to work and returned to school for certifications or degrees to increase their earnings.
- What happens if I can’t work due to illness/injury, or have my hours cut, and can’t pay my mortgage?
Habitat for Humanity of the Magic Valley works directly with homeowners if they cannot pay their mortgage due to temporary or permanent changes in income. Habitat meets with homeowners to better understand the circumstances, puts plans in place to get payments back on track, and sends monthly letters documenting progress. We work with all of our homeowners who have the commitment, follow-through and resources to help them keep their houses.
Building a Habitat house
- If I want to add more space or bedrooms than Habitat’s guidelines allow, can I do that?
No. Habitat for Humanity of the Magic Valley builds houses according to the number of family members in a household. Our homes are affordable, energy-efficient and modest.
- Can I have a garage or carport added to a Habitat house?
No. Habitat for Humanity of the Magic Valley does not build garages or carports. In order to keep our houses affordable and to enable us to help more families we do not build extras like garages. Our motto is simple, decent and affordable.
- If I own land, can Habitat build a house on it?
Maybe. Our program is for first-time homeowners and others who have not owned a house in three years. If you own land in the Magic Valley (Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka and Twin Falls Counties) we might be able to construct a home on it, but we will need to evaluate it and the Board of Directors will have to approve it. But, more importantly, you will need to apply to and be approved for our homeownership program in the exact same manner as all other applicants. Only after you’ve met our homeownership program criteria will we look at this possibility.
- How does Habitat decide where to build? Can I ask for a specific location?
Habitat acquires land either through purchase or donation so we have limited areas where we build. We build primarily in Twin Falls County but we serve and are open to projects in Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, and Minidoka Counties. Applicants who want to be part of our program must be willing to live where we are currently building.
- How long is it from the time I apply for a home until I close and move in?
Typically, families close on and move into their homes about 18 months after their initial application is submitted. Patience is important. Delays in getting into a Habitat house inevitably occur for various reasons. It is a complex process which relies heavily on donated time, material and money. Please be prepared to be patient.
- Will I need to talk to reporters or be on T.V.?
As a Habitat Family you will be expected to tell people about Habitat – including the Media. The success of Habitat is highly dependent upon newspapers, television, radio, newsletters, and brochures spreading the Habitat story. So part of your responsibility is to help the media educate the community about Habitat. But, every effort will be made to prevent invasion of privacy, over-use of the media, and inaccurate presentation of facts. We are confident new member families will eventually see that the joy of home ownership is worth the possible inconvenience of publicity
- Will it Hurt?
There may be moments when you will need a tough hide. You might encounter some criticisms from a few who do not fully understand or agree with the Habitat idea. Some might resent that you have been chosen to receive a house. They may think they know someone more deserving or more in need. Habitat partners will be standing by you, ready to help with such problems. (They’re usually someone else’s problems rather than yours!) Families who have gone through this in the past also can be helpful. We will all work together to bring about public understanding of the ministry of Habitat.
I have more Questions!
If you still have any questions, please use the form below to contact us. We will try to respond to your question as soon as possible during our regular hours.
