Homeownership

Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs partners with hardworking families that are first time homebuyers right here in Pottawattamie and Mills Counties that want to realize the dream of homeownership but may not qualify for a mortgage loan through conventional lenders. Becoming a Habitat homeowner requires commitment, responsibility and deep involvement.

In order to partner with us, you must meet the following preliminary criteria:

1. You must be a first-time homebuyer. Limited exceptions apply
2. Your yearly household income must be between 30-80% of the Area Median Income, as established by HUD income guidelines, which are adjusted for household size (refer to Income Table on the Selection Criteria page). 
3. Need for housing: Habitat serves families who have a need for affordable housing, this may include concerns related to affordability, overcrowding, safety, accessibility or other housing challenges. Each household's situation is reviewed individually.
4. You must be able to verify steady and consistent income for the past 2 years.
5. We do not use a credit score to determine eligibility; we look more closely at payment history. If you do not have a credit history, we can use alternate verification methods.
6. If you have filed Bankruptcy, it must be discharged and show a minimum of 2 years of reestablished credit.
7. You must partner with Habitat for Humanity and contribute to "sweat equity." 
8. Attend a minimum of 3 required educational classes on homeownership.
9. You must be a United States citizen or permanent resident.

Register for one of our Homeownership Information Sessions to learn more and see if you may qualify.