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Home Qualifying Guidelines


Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa currently has homeownership opportunities available for three families interested in living in Mason City, as well as one family interested in living in Hampton. Please review the qualification guidelines below, and call our office if you are interested in applying.

You may be able to purchase a Habitat home if you meet the three guidelines:

Need

You may be able to buy a Habitat home if your present housing is not adequate and you are unable to obtain adequate housing. Lack of adequate housing may include:

  • Structural problems
  • Water, electrical, or sewage service problems
  • Failure to meet city property maintenance standards
  • Shortage of bedrooms based on the number, ages, and sex of your children

We also consider the percentage of your monthly income that you currently spend on housing to determine need. You will be required to openly and fully discuss your financial situation with a Habitat interviewer. All information discussed and collected is strictly confidential.

You and your family will be considered if your total income is not over the range of 60% of median income of our area (see chart).

Family Size Minimum Income Maximum Income
2 $14,140 $28,280
3 $15,900 $31,800
4 $17,640 $35,280
5 $19,080 $38,160
6 $20,500 $41,000
7 $21,900 $43,800
8 $23,300 $46,600
Guidelines for 2010

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Ability to Pay

Since you will be buying your home from Habitat, you must be able to pay the monthly mortgage payment. This payment will include the mortgage payment, the payment for real estate taxes, and property owner's insurance. We will help you determine if this payment will allow you to meet all of your other family expenses. We can also help you if you need to develop a budget. There is no interest on the loan for a Habitat home.

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Willingness to Partner

When selected, you become a "partner family" in the Habitat movement. To become a "partner family" you must complete 250 hours per adult in your family (maximum 500 hours per family) of volunteer work along with other Habitat volunteers. One hundred of these hours must be completed before work will begin on your home. These hours of "sweat equity" contribution must be completed before becoming a homeowner.

Your "sweat equity" may include:

  • Clearing the lot
  • Painting
  • Helping with construction
  • Providing food for volunteers
  • Working in the Habitat office or ReStore

Your extended family and friends can work up to one-half of the "sweat equity" hours for you. You will be able to complete these hours over a period of time.

You will be responsible for maintenance and repairs on your house from the time you move in.

After moving into your home, the Family Support Committee will maintain a relationship with you.

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How to Obtain an Application

If you feel that you may qualify for a Habitat home, please contact Habitat for Humanity North Central Iowa or email info@habitatnci.org with your name, mailing address, and phone number to request an application to be sent to you.

Family Selection

The selection of families who will purchase homes from Habitat for Humanity North Central Iowa will be done by a group of volunteers on the Family Selection Committee in a way that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, disability, religion, marital status, or because all or part of the applicant's income is derived from public assistance programs.



We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.