HOW IT WORKS
How do I apply, and what is the process?
- Click ‘Apply Now’ below to download the Housing Interest Form and fill it out. Send the Intrest From to the address indicated to begin your evaluation process.
- Talk with the Habitat Staff to review your situation, including income, credit history, and to learn about the evaluation process. If you meet Habitat criteria and are interested in continuing, a small Applicant Team will work with you throughout the process.
- Go through a financial review and sign a Partnership Agreement Letter explaining in writing the conditions of Habitat approval. Once you qualify, you will become a Habitat Partner and be approved for housing.
- Attend NeighborImpact Financial Management and Homeowner classes, and complete the Sweat Equity volunteer requirement (working at ReStore, build site, and others offered by HFHLPS.)
- Sign mortgage papers and move into your new home.
ELIGIBILITY & FAQ
How much will the Habitat townhouse cost?
Habitat homes are very reasonably priced compared to alternatives. There are several variables including construction costs, interest rates and availability of grants and donations that affect the final cost of the home and your monthly mortgage payment. Your monthly payment will include principal, interest, property taxes and home insurance. There are also HOA dues which are a separate payment.
If approved, how long will it take before I can move into my townhouse?
Every situation is different, but on average it takes 12-24 months from approval to move in.
What is the Sweat Equity Hour requirement?
Habitat requires 400 hours of Sweat Equity volunteer labor per household. The homeowner(s) must complete between 150-250 hours themselves depending on the size of the household, and family and friends can assist with the remaining hours. The work can be fulfilled at the build site, the Habitat Restore in La Pine, and other activities defined by Habitat.
Is there a down payment? What about closing costs?
There is no down payment, and you will be expected to contribute between $1,000 and $1,700 to closing costs depending on the time of approval and your income level. Matching programs are usually available to help make up the balance of closing costs.
Who can be part of my household? How is my household size determined?
The adults and children listed on the application are considered your household. The combined total gross income of these individuals must be less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) to meet Habitat guidelines. Beyond that, additional persons such as adult children and grandchildren as examples can live with you in your townhome. Keep in mind that the townhomes are approximately 1200-1300 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 or 2.5 bath.
How much choice do I have in choosing home finishings (appliances, carpet, etc.)?
Habitat’s goal is to make construction costs as low as possible to minimize monthly mortgage payments. As a result, there are a limited number of selections you can make in customizing your home. These options are presented to you after you have been approved for a Habitat home.
PUTNEY PLACE
Habitat’s Putney Place Neighborhood began 2019 as 1.8 acres of dirt and trees, and today is transformed into 13 completed townhomes, with another 3 on the way. The neighborhood will grow to 19 homes by 2025. Putney Place is named in honor of Jim Putney, a community-minded leader whose work and generosity made an impact across Central Oregon and included years of service with Habitat La Pine Sunriver.