The 2022 Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs Homebuyer application period will run from Monday, April 18 through Friday, May 20

Are you interested in Homeownership?

The need for affordable housing is immense, and the lasting impact homeownership can have on families and individuals is undeniable. Habitat Council Bluffs homes are not free – each household who partners with us is making a personal and financial investment in their future. 

We partner with hard-working, families to help them build a better life for themselves and their loved ones – because we know that decent, affordable shelter offers strength, stability, and self-reliance. Habitat homes are sold with an affordable mortgage that is no more than 30% of a homeowner’s monthly income. 

As a homeowner you have an increased responsibility of home and community upkeep. Living in a stable and safe home is influential to a positive future for children and families. Homeownership is important to children and youth because it improves health and academic performance. 

Do you want to learn more about Habitat CB’s Homebuyer Program?
 

STEP 1: Attend our Homebuyer Information Sessions

Learn more about our Homebuyer Program! We will go over guidelines and expectations of the program, as well as information about the application process. 

Space is limited. You must register to attend. If you are attending with a spouse, partner, family member or friend, please make sure to register everyone who is attending. Attending an information session is a requirement of applying for the program. You will also be able to pick up a program application at the end of this session. The dates and times are listed below on our EventBrite page. Depending on demand, we may add additional dates and times.  To see upcoming dates and to register, please click on this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/homebuyer-information-session-with-habitat-for-humanity-of-council-bluffs-tickets-305019911767

STEP 2: Fill out a Program Application

Applying for a Habitat home is a thorough and detailed process. Households are chosen based on their need for housing, income level, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs. Qualifying families need to meet the income requirements of 30% to 80% of the median income for Pottawattamie & Mills counties. If accepted, Habitat homeowners pay a 30 year fixed rate affordable mortgage. Habitat Homeowners monthly mortgage payments go into a building fund, which is used for the construction future Habitat homes, thereby making the dream of homeownership a reality to more Council Bluffs families. 

Review the general program requirements (please note that every household is unique, and we may need additional information as part of the program application process)

Need for better or different housing: 

• Is your current housing too expensive, too small or in disrepair?
• Are you a  FIRST TIME Homeowner?
• Do you live or work within Pottawattamie or Mills Counties
• Would you be willing to live in Council Bluffs IA
• You must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (green card holder)

Financial Requirements:

• Is your GROSS (before payroll deductions) Household income between 30% and 80% of the area median income? (see HUD guideline chart below)
• Does the program applicant/co-applicant have any derogatory debt/collections? If so, is the amount less than $2000.00?
• The past 2 years of W-2’s and income tax as well as the past 60 days of paystubs
• Good rental payment history for the past 2 years
• Good payment history for accounts such as credit cards, auto loans and other monthly obligations

2022 Income Guidelines

Willingness to Partner

Through our partnership with families and individuals, we equip future homebuyers with the strength and self-reliance you’ll need to be successful homeowners. Applicants who are accepted into the program will be required to complete 250 Sweat Equity hours in a variety of ways.

Work Sites: Being involved in the process of building or renovating Habitat homes – including your own.

Education: Classes involving financial education, hands-on maintenance training, future planning, and more.

ReStore: Lending a hand at ReStore to collect, organize, and sell gently used home building supplies. 

Meetings/Document drop off: Completing all the paperwork for a home loan is a complicated process and we will need to update your personal and financial information throughout the program, so being timely in getting the most current information to us is important to keeping the process going.

Sweat Equity hours do not reduce the purchase price of the home, nor does it have any monetary value, but it does give the future homeowner(s) the skills and knowledge needed to become successful homeowners through our program.

Step 3: Set up a Meeting to drop off your Program Application

After you have attended the Information session and you have completed the entire program application, we ask that you call and set up a 30 minute meeting to drop off the application and the supporting documentation. Once we have received all of the documentation, our program team will process your application.  Please allow us 30 days to review and process your application. You will be contacted by phone or mail if your application has been approved or denied.  If you were denied, we will reach out and offer to meet with you one on one to discuss the application and the specific reasons you were denied, what needs to be addressed and what resources are available to you.

If you have any questions or concerns please call Kim Smith at 712-396-2465.