March 26, 2025
In a blog post from earlier in 2024, we busted 11 myths commonly associated with Habitat for Humanity. One belief, however, deserves its own post. Of those who have considered working towards a home with Habitat for Humanity, some have decided otherwise with the assumption that they make too much income to qualify. This self-sabotage is a mistake! Before supposing you make too much money for a habitat home, keep reading to learn about the income guidelines. Habitat homes are designed for workers with a dependable job living in an unaffordable area.
Much of HFH information is available in both English and Spanish! Don’t let language get in the way of homeownership. ¡Nuestra información estádisponible tanto en inglés como en español! No permita que el idioma se interponga en el proceso de ser propietario de una vivienda.
Homeownership Program Criteria is grouped into several categories. First, answer these questions. Do you live in overcrowded or substandard housing? Do you pay more than 30% of gross income on rent and do you live in an unsafe and/or unsanitary neighborhood? If yes, then are you a US Citizen or do you have permanent residency status? If yes, are you willing to partner with Houston Habitat for Humanity to put in up to 250 hours of “sweat equity” (more on this later), and complete pre-purchase and post-purchase programs which include financial counseling?
If ‘yes’ was your answer to the above questions, then Houston Habitat for Humanity income requirements are up next for review. For a family of one, the minimum income requirement is $33,150 and the maximum income is $53,000. (No, you don’t have to be married or have children to be eligible). For a family of four, the minimum income requirement is $47,300 and the maximum income is $75,700. For a family of seven, the minimum income requirement is $58,700 and the maximum income is $93,900. Information about Houston Habitat for Humanity income limits are listed on our website for family size, ranging from one person to eight people. These numbers are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Houston, The Woodlands and Sugar Land as reported by HUD.
The final aspects of a Habitat homeowner are a satisfactory credit score, and having the ability to afford monthly mortgage payments, including escrow and insurance. The next section in this post contains information about credit and raising your credit score.
A credit score is a three-digit number based on the information in your credit report, a detailed history of credit cards used and loans received. Credit scores may account for the number of years you’ve had credit, how much of your available credit you’re using, if late payments have been made, and any recent negative actions or credit applications. A lower credit score can cause higher interest rates.
Federal law allows you to get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each credit reporting company. Check your credit here or here for free. Usted puede solicitar una copia de su informe crediticio (gratis y enespañol) de cada una de las tres principales agencias de crédito: TransUnion: Llame al 800-916-8800, Equifax: Visite el enlace o llame al 888-378-4329, Experian: Haga clic en el enlace o llame al 888-397-3742.
Looking to improve your credit? Dispute inaccurate information on your credit reports, keep debts low, make on-time bill payments, retain your oldest account, and avoid applying for new credit accounts.
Sweat equity is “contribution to a project or enterprise in the form of effort and toil”. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity requires sweat equity, which can take multiple forms for future homeowners. “Sweat equity is a transformational experience for families and a cornerstone of our homeownership program,” says Sonia Lee, director of homeowner and mortgage services at Habitat for Humanity International. “The skills and knowledge gained through activities like volunteering on a build site…help set new homeowners up for success long-term.”
For those physically unable to do construction, Habitat allows on a case-by-case basis, clearing debris from build sites, working as a greeter or helper at a Houston Habitat ReStore, or other lower-impact tasks.
Not sure if you are eligible per Homeownership Program Income Guidelines?Just apply to see if you qualify. For those who didn’t make it through a few years ago, the monthly income numbers are different now. And keep applying if you don’t make it today; qualifying thresholds can shift in another year or two.
Prepare, then apply in English or Spanish and submit your documents. Upon application completion and receipt of required documents, Houston Habitat will begin the review process. Applicants are generally notified of their acceptance into the program 60 days after review. For those who do not meet Houston Habitat for Humanity’s criteria for affordable mortgages and are not selected for the program, an informational letter will be sent.
Habitat wants you and your family to have safe, affordable housing. We diligently follow a nondiscriminatory policy aligned with the Fair Housing Act and Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which dictates that race, sex, color, national origin, religion, familial status, age, marital status, disability and/or income from public assistance are not factors in choosing homeowners. Join our Virtual Homeownership Information Sessions to learn more about our program individually, or gather a group of 10 people or more to schedule a free 60-minute virtual information session with us. We are happy to answer any questions via email familyservices@houstonhabitat.org or phone 713-671-9993 x287, and look forward to walking beside you on this journey to meet all the qualifications for a Habitat homeowner!
