How to Qualify
Can anyone apply to be a Habitat homeowner?
To partner with Habitat to build a home, applicants must meet income guidelines (see charts below) and demonstrate:
a need for housing If you live in housing that is unsafe, overcrowded, too expensive, or inaccessible you can demonstrate need. Applicants impacted by systemic housing discrimination or experiencing barriers to homeownership are encouraged to apply.
a willingness to partner with us You agree to put in 200 (single applicants) to 300 (joint applicants) hours of sweat equity, attend homeownership education classes, and maintain open and honest communication with our team. As partners, Dubuque and Jackson Counties Habitat will secure affordable financing to make sure your housing costs do not exceed more than 30% of your household income. The path to homeownership with Habitat takes an average of 12-18 months from application to closing.
the ability to pay a long-term mortgage You have an ability to pay a long-term mortgage. You are applying for a loan to purchase a home from Dubuque and Jackson County Habitat for Humanity. You can demonstrate ability to pay up to 30% of your income for a mortgage payment because you have steady income and meet the income criteria outlined below.
income guidelines table:
| Household Size | Dubuque County (30-80% AMI) |
| 1 Person | $20,300 to $54,050 |
| 2 Person | $23,500 to $61,800 |
| 3 Person | $26,100 to $69,500 |
| 4 Person | $28,950 to $77,200 |
| 5 Person | $31,300 to $83,400 |
| 6 Person | $33,600 to $89,600 |
| 7 Person | $35,900 to $95,750 |
| 8 Person | $38,250 to $101,950 |
*HOME Program income limits as published by HUD in June 2023. Income limits are adjusted annually.
Income eligibility is calculated based on the applicant’s household total gross income. Gross income is before taxes and deductions.
Income from all wages are included, including SSI, SSDI, retirement, alimony, VA benefits, child support, and others.
Income guidelines are listed by household size. Review the income guidelines table to see current income guidelines. Income guidelines are updated annually, households must income qualify at time of application, through participation, and at closing.
additional qualifications:
- I need better or more affordable housing
- I am willing to volunteer 200-300 hours with Habitat and in the community
- I can afford a mortgage payment up to 30% of my gross monthly income
- I have two years of steady, verifiable income
- I have two years of good rental history
- My non-medical debt is less than 13% of my income
- I can pass a criminal background and sex offender registry check
- I can save money to pay down payment and closing costs
- I am willing to live in Dubuque or Jackson County
We encourage you to review the Homeowner FAQs prior to applying.
What to expect
- Habitat’s path to homeownership is a process that requires hard work and dedication. We partner with you because we want you to experience long-term financial success.
- Applicants that submit complete applications will be notified of income eligibility within 30 days of submission. An application is considered complete when we receive all your supporting documentation. We will notify you by mail or email if your application is incomplete and provide you with additional time to submit that information.
- The Homeowner Selection & Support Committee reviews income eligible applications and makes recommendations for program participation. The Board of Directors review recommendations and makes final approval of eligible applicants.
- A partnership agreement will be developed to define how Habitat will partner with you.
- Habitat homebuyers complete more than 200 hours of volunteering, training, and education before they buy a home.
- It can take 12 to 24 months to complete the Homeownership Program. The timeline might seem long, but this program was designed to allow enough time for our homebuyers to complete their volunteer hours, homebuyer education and time for us to build your home.
- Habitat volunteers and partners will assist with the construction of a home that meets your needs and provide affordable financing, so your monthly payments do not exceed 30% of your household income.
- We will celebrate the completion of your partnership agreement! This can be a home dedication, housewarming or an open house to recognize the work of volunteers, sponsors, donors, and your commitment to creating a stable future for yourself and your family.
- Home closing – you buy your home!
- Your monthly payments help us build more homes in Dubuque and Jackson counties.
Notice: The federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age; because all or part of the applicant’s income derives from any public assistance program; or because the applicant has exercised in good faith any right under the Consumer Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 30580
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age, marital status, or sources of income.
