At Habitat Kent we believe it is a basic human right that everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. We want to help you build a better life for you and your family that will last generations. We will work with you to learn the skills to become a successful homeowner. Becoming a homeowner is hard work but with some help from volunteers and donors, we can build a stronger future together.
At least one of the following conditions must be true of your current housing and situation:
We are not accepting applications at this time. We encourage you to check out our Accelerated Homeownership Program to see if you may qualify, or reach out to our partners to learn about other homeownership opportunities:
If you are a veteran or an active military service member, please CLICK HERE to learn more about our Veterans Program.
What it takes to become a Habitat Homeowner
Preparing to own a Habitat home is a lot of hard work, but we’ll be by your side every step of the way. Here’s what you can expect.
The following process of three stages applies once applications are available.
Phase 1: Homeownership Application & Affordability Assessment
Phase 2: Group Meeting
If your application passes the initial review, you will be invited to a group meeting where we will explain more about Habitat for Humanity, the available properties, and the rest of the review process.
Phase 3: Home Interview
Habitat for Humanity supports equal housing opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or lawful source of income.
Does Habitat give away houses?
No, Habitat for Humanity does not give away houses. Qualified applicants purchase a home from Habitat Kent with an affordable mortgage, making monthly payments based on their income and expenses.
How much is a mortgage payment?
Habitat Kent homes are sold to homebuyers with an affordable mortgage. Mortgage payments are based on 22-28% of the partner’s gross income.
What if I don’t have good credit?
Part of the application process involves pulling a credit history report. The main consideration is whether an applicant is making consistent payments on their debt. Existing long-term debt should be no more than 38% of an applicant’s gross monthly income. Bankruptcies appearing on credit reports must be discharged in order to be eligible for our homeownership program.
Can Habitat homeowners sell their Habitat homes?
Habitat homeowners can sell their homes. However, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County has what’s called the right of first refusal. This means if homeowners decide to sell, they must first give Habitat Kent the opportunity to repurchase the home. If Habitat Kent chooses not to purchase the home, the homeowner is free to sell their home on the open market.
What is Sweat Equity?
The term refers to the hands-on involvement of prospective homeowners in the construction of their homes, as well as in other Habitat and community activities. At Habitat Kent, Habitat Partners are required to complete 200-500 Sweat Equity hours, based on the number of mortgage applicants and adults in the household.
How does Habitat Kent determine home size?
Our homes range from 2 to 5 bedrooms depending on the size of the Habitat Partner’s household.
Where does Habitat Kent build homes?
We build homes in Kent County, Eastern Ottawa County and Northern Allegan County.
Still have questions? Call (616)588-5239. La lista de espera está llena. Si tiene preguntas llama (616)588-5239.