Homeownership

At Wichita Habitat for Humanity, we believe family comes in all shapes and sizes. We welcome applications from everyone!

Here are some examples of families we work with:

• Individuals applying on their own
• Married couples, with or without children
• Single parents
• Couples who aren't married
• Families with extended members like aunts, uncles, or grandparents

To ensure a stable home environment, we ask that all household members on your application have lived together for at least six months, unless there are unavoidable circumstances.

All applicant(s) whose name will be on the title must show proof of legal U.S. residency and at least one applicant must show proof of permanent legal U.S. residency.

Wichita Habitat for Humanity will verify applicant(s) status of legal residency by obtaining a copy of one of the following:

• U.S. Birth Certificate
• U.S. Naturalization Certificate
• U.S. Passport
• Permanent U.S. Resident Card/Green Card

Think you might qualify for our program? Even if you're unsure after reviewing the guidelines, we encourage you to apply! Our staff will be happy to review your information and answer any questions you have.

We build houses along with partner households who meet our homeownership program guidelines. Some of the basic guidelines are:

• You must be a first-time homebuyer.
• Your income must be 35-80% of the median household income for Sedgwick County.
• You have a need for housing.
• You have the ability to pay a 20-year (up to 30-year), zero-percent (0%) interest mortgage, and you must demonstrate a willingness to partner with Wichita Habitat.

Please refer to the Program Guidelines for more information on the qualifications for the program. In addition, please attend one of our homebuyer information sessions.

If approved, your mortgage will be a 20-year (up to 30-year), zero-percent (0%) interest mortgage on the principal amount. This helps to ensure that you are able to continue making your payments on your home while having enough remaining income to provide a healthy, stable life for you and your family.

Wichita Habitat requires no down payment. You are required to pay approximately $2,000 in closing costs at your mortgage signing, which includes the cost of one year and two months of the homeowner's insurance and property taxes to build up your escrow account. You will have the opportunity to save this amount monthly while you are in the program.

No, Wichita Habitat for Humanity homes must be owner-occupied and cannot be rented out.

No, but we can refer you to other programs that may be able to assist you. Please call United Way at 211 for more information and available resources.

The homebuying process through Wichita Habitat for Humanity has a few extra steps to qualify for our 20-year (up to 30-year), zero-percent (0%) interest mortgage; however, we follow all mortgage lending laws and make sure you understand each stage. To learn more about the process of buying a home and finding a conventional mortgage, please visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Owning a Home website.

You can register for one of our upcoming homebuyer information sessions online. As we schedule information sessions, we will update the website. You must attend a homebuyer information session to qualify to purchase one of our homes.

Wichita Habitat for Humanity does not give away homes. We provide a hand up, not a handout. You will be purchasing your home, and we will work with you to make sure you have an affordable housing cost after purchasing the home. Each applicant must agree to partner with us in the program, which includes providing all documentation needed as well as attending homebuyer education classes and completing sweat equity requirements.

More information can be found in our Program Guidelines or by attending one of our homebuyer information sessions.

The amount of time from selection to homeownership is normally 8-18 months. During this time, you will be working your "sweat equity" hours, attending homebuyer education classes, and saving money for closing costs.

In addition, there are many factors that can impact how long the process of becoming a Habitat homeowner. This includes, but are not limited to, housing availability, meeting eligibility requirements, and the need for housing.

It could take longer depending on Wichita Habitat's volume of applications and other factors, such as the completeness of the documentation you provide or if you need housing or credit counseling to move forward in the process, and the availability of a home that meets your needs. We will keep you informed of where you are in the process along the way.

No, but we do require proof of income. We will accept benefit statements and award letters for SSA and disability, as well as proof of payment for a pension plan. If you are employed through a company, we require at least two (2) months of history with your current employer and 10/5/2 of your most recent paystubs if paid weekly/biweekly/monthly. If you are self-employed, we require at least two (2) years of tax returns (all pages) to verify your net profit.

Wichita Habitat for Humanity sells home to people who are looking for long-term homeownership, but you may sell your home. Most of our partners continue to live in their homes for long periods of time.

Sweat equity is the Habitat for Humanity term for partnering with us to help build your home and further Habitat's mission. We require each Habitat partner household to complete between 250 hours and 400 hours of sweat equity depending on your family size. Completion of sweat equity can take anywhere from three (3) to 12 months.

Wichita Habitat for Humanity is willing to work with those whose credit is less than perfect. We do not look at your credit score. We DO look at your debt-to-income ratio and your credit history. Any bankruptcy or foreclosure must have been discharged over 24 months ago. Wichita Habitat commits to working with you to meet financial requirements to become a homeowner.

We have a Home Repair Program that partners with qualified homeowners. In addition, we collaborate with other community resources who may be able to help with home repairs. Contact United Way at 211 to learn more about the available resources.