HOMEOWNERSHIP

Habitat Flathead is NOT accepting applications at this time.

HOMEOWNERSHIP SELECTION CRITERIA

Income Criteria:

GROSS household income must fall within the ranges below, 30% and 80% of Area Median Income, based on HUD 2024 Flathead County.

Household Size Min/Max Household Income

One Person $18,550 - $49,500

Two People $21,200 - $56,600

Three People $22,700 - $63,650

Four People $31,200 - $70,700

Five People $36,580 - $76,400

Six People $41,960 - $82,050

Seven People $47,340 - $87,700

Need for better housing:

  • Overcrowded space

  • Unsafe living conditions

  • Temporary housing

  • Rent burdened (more than 30% of income going towards rent)

  • Not currently a homeowner

Ability to pay affordable mortgage:

  • Verifiable steady income

  • No outstanding judgements or bankruptcy claims

  • Verifiable, reasonably good credit: 660+

  • Willing to save for closing costs

  • Financial ability to make long-term mortgage payments to include property taxes, property insurance, and HOA dues, if applicable.

Willingness to partner with Habitat:

  • Must be a resident of Flathead County for one year.

  • Must be willing to meet ‘Sweat Equity’ requirements of 275 hours per homeowner and two organized volunteer days.

  • Must be willing to take first time buyer and financial readiness classes.

  • Must be willing to participate in one-on-one mentorship program focusing on financial stability and homeownership.

  • Home must be occupied by the owner, not rented or sublet.

What is sweat equity?

Each homeowner must work 275 hours and organize two volunteer days while their home is being built. These volunteer hours are typically worked at the construction site or Habitat Flathead ReStore. Accommodations are made for those with disabilities or other needs.

Applicants are applying for a home loan through Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley, Glacier Bank and the Montana Board of Housing. Eligibility is based upon several qualifying factors and approval by the Board of Directors.

Listed below is the criteria required to determine eligibility of all applicants.  

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED?

YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IN ORDER FOR YOUR APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED COMPLETE.

  1. Proof of residency in Flathead County for at least 12 months:

    • A copy of your Montana issued driver’s license OR identification card (for criminal background check and loan processing)

  2.  Proof of Income:

    • Last three months most recent paystubs or income statements for all parties in the household from employment OR a copy of disability/social security/retirement statement

    • A copy of recent benefits statements or child support paperwork, including Social Security, SSI, TANF, SNAP (food stamps), child support, alimony, etc.

    • Tax returns from the last 2 years (or proof you were exempt from filing: see exemptions at IRS).

    • IRS Form 4506-T: Request for Transcript of Tax Return

      • This form will help you access your previous tax records from the IRS if you don’t currently have them in your possession

  3. Housing:

    • Rental agreement with move in date, rent paid per month, and landlord’s information

    • If you pay another person rent or utilities, that person MUST write their rent (utilities if included) and how much you pay them per month towards that amount. (Receipts, cashier’s check stub, etc. showing how much you pay that person)

  4. Bills and Debts:

    • Last 3 months of banking statements of all accounts for all parties in the household (checking, savings, retirement, etc.)

    • Last 3 months of debt statements (credit cards, auto loans, student debt, etc.) for all parties in the household

    • Last 3 months of utility statements (electric, gas, phone, etc.)

  5. Documents for Completion-Following documents will be available when our application period opens:

    • Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley’s 2024 Homeownership Application

    • Disclosures requiring completion: (Complete one for each adult in the household if applicable)

      • Authorization for Employment Verification

      • Authorization for Public Assistance Verification

      • Authorization for Deposit Account Verification

      • Request for Landlord Reference

    • Disclosures requiring completion and signatures:

      • Authorization to Release Financial Information

      • Authorization to Release Criminal History, Credit Report, & Sex Offender Registry Information

      • Equal Credit Opportunity Act Notice

      • E-Sign Disclosure (Complete one for each adult in the household)

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

With the support of community partners, donors, and volunteers, Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley constructs new homes alongside Habitat Partner Families. Our homeownership program is designed to assist first-time homebuyers achieve the strength and stability of homeownership.

Habitat homes are sold to partner families at no profit. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest sweat equity hours building their future Habitat home and the homes of other Habitat Partner Families.

The pre-approval selection of homeowners who will purchase houses from Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley is done by the Board of Directors in a way that does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or national origin.