homeownership
qualify and apply
Habitat for Humanity provides opportunities for people to purchase affordable homes across the Salem region. Learn more about our homeownership program, along with current and upcoming opportunities.
Our affiliate builds homes in Salem, Keizer, Stayton, Lyons, Aumsville, Mill City, Mehama, Sublimity, Turner, Dallas, Independence, and Monmouth. If you are interested in purchasing a Habitat home elsewhere, contact the Habitat affiliate in your area.
For any questions, please contact Kattrina Osborn at 503-342-1268 or [email protected].
basic qualifications
- Must be a United States citizen or permanent legal resident
- Must live in our affiliate service area for at least 12 months (click here to verify your zip code is in our service area)
- Cannot have owned a home during the past 3 years
- Cannot have a bankruptcy discharged within the past 3 years
- Currently living in sub-standard, subsidized, overcrowded or unaffordable housing
- Must be willing to contribute 500 volunteer hours – “sweat equity” (250 hours for households with 1 adult)
- Must have proof of steady income sufficient to repay an affordable mortgage and satisfactory credit history
- Must be within 50% to 80% of the Marion County median household income
Income requirements are subject to annual revision. Current income values are valid until April, 2025.
how to apply
We are accepting applications for homeownership. Download an application or contact Kattrina at [email protected] or at 503-342-1268.
faq’s
What are the qualifications for the Homeownership Program?
Our criteria are need, willingness to partner, and ability to pay.
Need can be determined by financial need, need for disability access, substandard housing, homelessness or housing insecurity.
Willingness to partner is determined by your agreement to perform sweat equity and meet our program criteria.
Ability to pay is always based on something that is affordable for your household, (30%of your income) and according to limitations provided by HUD,
Who can be a part of my household? How is my household size determined?
When determining household size and bedroom requirements, only people currently living in the home are counted. A child will be counted if the applicant has at least 50% custody. People who are away for reasons like military service, work, school, or incarceration can be included if you expect them to return and live in the home full-time. Be sure to explain any special household situations in your application. If you count someone as a household member in one part, include them throughout the entire application, such as for income, assets, and debt.
Do I have to be a US Citizen or have permanent residency?
Anyone applying must be a legal citizen or permanent resident of the United States and be able to provide proof of legal residency such as a US Passport, Permanent Resident Card, US Birth Certificate, etc. We also ask that married couples apply together as applicant and co-applicant.
Will a credit check be required?
How long will it take for me to get a home?
The whole process from application to move in may take up to 18 months. There are many factors involved with getting your home: available land, sweat equity hours, specific needs, etc. We are committed to getting you in your home as quickly as possible.
Once an application is completed and turned in, what happens next?
Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed based on the information you provided.
The entire process may take weeks or months. You’ll be updated at least every 30 days on your application status.
Habitat will review everything and decide who is selected for the program. The process ends with either an acceptance or denial letter. To be considered, you must submit a complete application.
Do I get to choose where I live?
Lots are offered as they become available. We have built homes in several areas in Salem and surrounding communities, so there is no guarantee where your lot will be.
How can I earn sweat equity hours?
How big will my house be?
House size depends on the number of family members who will be living there. The following is the maximum square footage for each house size: 1000 square feet for a two-bedroom house, 1200 square feet for a three-bedroom house, 1400 square feet for a four-bedroom house. The square foot numbers describe living spaces not including stairwells, crawl space and exterior storage.