Becoming a Homeowner - Application Process

Families with immediate housing needs should contact Mass211 (dial 211) or visit www.mass211.org.

Learn about Habitat's Homeownership Program

Attend one of the quarterly HFHNCM Homebuyer Information Meetings.  The next meeting is on January 22nd at the Acton Library at 7 PM.  All who are interested in learning more are asked to attend.  Even if you think you don't qualify, please attend to learn how you CAN qualify!  Members of our Family Selection Committee will explain how the homeownership program works and talk to you about whether you might qualify.  They'll also answer any questions you may have.

Call the HFHNCM office.  We'll go over the basic qualification checklist with you.  If you appear to qualify and you're interested in one of the homes we currently have available, we'll mail you an application packet.  If you are not ready to apply right away, give us your contact information and we will notify you when we begin accepting applications for our next home.

Income Guidelines (.pdf)        What Is Inadequate or Substandard Housing? (.pdf)       What is Sweat Equity? (.pdf)

Apply

Complete the application accurately and completely and include photocopies of all necessary documentation along with a check or money order for $15.00 (non-refundable processing fee).  Mail or hand-deliver to the HFHNCM office (1 Oak Hill Road, Fitchburg) during business hours Monday to Friday. 

Your application will be reviewed to ensure it is complete.  If information is missing, a letter will be sent to you stating what is missing and advising you to return the missing items to the HFHNCM office as soon as possible.  No further action can be taken until the missing pieces are received.

Financial Review

When your application packet is complete, a credit report is pulled and your application reviewed by our family selection committee.  All applicants will be notified of their status after the review.  Note:  we encourage applicants who do not qualify to re-apply if their financial situation improves.

Applicants going forward with the process must volunteer 8 hours on a  HFHNCM construction site before final approval.  Volunteering on the site ensures applicants have a true understanding of what building their home will be like.

Home Visits

Home visits are scheduled with applicants who have passed the financial review. This gives committee members the opportunity to meet your family, see your current living situation, ask further questions and discuss partnering opportunities.

Final Review

The committee meets for a final review after home visits have taken place.  Names of those applicants who have demonstrated verifiable need, ability of pay and willingness to partner will be forwarded to the HFHNCM Board of Directors who make the final decision.  All applicants will be notified by mail of their final status.

Approval

Approved applicants will sign a Letter of Acceptance with Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts.  This document outlines what both parties will do to make the partnership a success.  A volunteer family advocate is assigned to support each partner family through the homebuying process.  Families can begin building up their "sweat equity".

Moving In

When you've completed your sweat equity, saved your downpayment and the house is completed, a mortgage will be signed between you and Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts.  We'll also gather with volunteers, donors and supporters for a dedication ceremony at the home.

HFHNCM Is An Equal Opportunity Lender

Habitat for Humanity families are qualified without regard to age, sex, sexual preference, marital status, disability, race, religion or national origin.

Questions about Habitat homeownership? 

Contact Maggie Monroe-Cassel, Executive Director
978-348-2749, ext. 206 or email apply@ncmhabitat.org