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​​How it Works

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We build and renovate simple, decent, energy-efficient 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes. These homes are then sold to our partner families with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage that is no greater than 30% of their income at closing. Habitat for Humanity SHR does not make a profit on the sale of our homes. 

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Selected partner families will complete a minimum of 200 hours of sweat equity while working on their home, in the ReStore, or on the home of a fellow partner family. They will also be required to complete 12 homeownership classes. 

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The Process

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We select our partner families through an application process. Each applicant’s financial situation, income, and monthly budget are carefully reviewed and evaluated to determine their ability to make an affordable monthly mortgage payment.

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The applicant must earn a steady household income to cover mortgage, insurance, taxes, and living expenses, and have a satisfactory credit report. All judgments must be paid in full. Families may not apply within (2) years of the discharge date on bankruptcy and within (5) years of foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure.

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After being accepted into the Habitat homeownership program, the partner families generally move into their new homes within 24 months. 

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Selection

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Applicants must participate fully during the application process and exhibit a willingness to partner in a safe, well-maintained Habitat community. Terms of this partnership include, but are not limited to, the following:

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• Committing oneself and one’s family to 200 hours of requisite “sweat equity”​

• Submitting to Habitat SHR’s policy of conducting criminal background checks and inquiries through the Sex Offender Registry on all adult members, 18 years of age or older, of the applicant’s household

• Planning and saving for the closing costs, plus the deposit money for utilities

• Informing the administrative office when financial or family matters change

• Being patient and displaying a good attitude toward everyone involved in this process

• Being honest and fair with all parties involved in this process

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A committee of community members and Habitat supporters reviews the qualified applications.

Selected applicants will receive a home visit and an invitation to meet with the selection committee. 

Habitat for Humanity South Hampton Roads will select up to five families for the 2025 Homeownership Application Season. 

In 2023, when we last accepted homeownership applications, we received 392 applications.

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Do I Qualify

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• Applicants who live in overcrowded or poor-condition housing or are in a subsidized rental program are considered.

• Applicants must not have been homeowners in the past three years.

• All collections, judgments, and liens must be satisfied.

• Applicants must have a history of on-time payments for loans, and credit payments must be paid on time.

• Applicants who have filed for bankruptcy must be at least two years past discharge and have good credit re-established.

• A current credit score of 640 or above is required to be considered for the program.

• All applicants must be willing to submit to a sex offender registry background check, income verification, and credit check.

• Must live and reside in one of the following cities for a minimum of a year: Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Smithfield, and Suffolk

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Applicants must have a verifiable total yearly household income within Habitat’s qualifying range.

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      Family Size /Annual Income

• 1 person:  $37,300 - $59,650

• 2 people:  $42,600 - $68,200

• 3 people:  $47,950 -$76,700

• 4 people:  $53,250 - $85,200

• 5 people:  $57,550 - $92,050

• 6 people:  $61,800 - $98,850

• 7 people:  $66,050 - $105,650

• 8 people:  $70,300 - $112,500​​

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Important Application Information 

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• We encourage all applicants to carefully review the program qualifications prior to submitting an application. Please note that incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

• Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

• Please regularly check your email, including junk and spam folders, to ensure you don't miss critical updates.

• A non-refundable application fee is required with your completed Homeownership Application:

  • $25 for a single head-of-household applicant or $35 for dual applicants

  • Payment must be made by money order or cashier’s check only, payable to:
    Habitat for Humanity South Hampton Roads

• Completed applications must be submitted in person to the Habitat for Humanity SHR office and must include:

  • All required supporting documentation

  • The non-refundable application fee

  • Important:

    • Incomplete applications or those missing documentation will not be considered.

    • Supporting documents must be submitted at the same time as the application — partial submissions will not be accepted.

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900 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, Virginia 23504

Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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When submitting your application, you will be required to complete and sign an Application Checklist on-site.

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• While we will do our best to respond to phone inquiries, we encourage you to email us with any questions for a faster response.

• Please note: In-person meetings are unavailable until the selection committee reviews applications.

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We understand that many applicants are excited about this opportunity, and we truly appreciate your enthusiasm. Please be patient with the process, as all applications must undergo a thorough review by our selection committee before the next steps can be shared.

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 *Virginia's Fair Housing Law makes it illegal to discriminate in residential housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, familial status, disability, source of funds, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military status.

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