How You Can Become a Habitat Homeowner

Phase One

Each applicant must meet the following requirements in order to receive a pre-screen application:

  • You must be a resident of Camden County before being considered for a home.
  • You must currently live in substandard housing (leaky roof, bad plumbing, overcrowding, etc.).
  • You must have a form of steady income.
  • You must be within the income guidelines listed in the Income Guidelines section.
  • You, the applicant(s), must be willing and able to partner with Lake of the Ozarks Habitat for Humanity and perform 150 hours of sweat equity for the first adult and 100 hours for each person over 18 in the household, as well as attend ALL classes and workshops scheduled before, during, and after homeownership has been achieved.
  • You must be able to make a $2,000 cash down payment before the closing on the house.

If you meet these guidelines, please call our office at 573-317-0470 to get on the contact list or to obtain an application. Applications are generally accepted between August 1 and September 30, for the home being built the following year.

  Phase Two

The application process has several areas of focus:

  • Household income
  • Credit history
  • Employment history
  • Landlord/Rental history
  • Criminal background check (every household member over 18 years of age)
  • Current household expenses
  • Willingness to partner
  • Ability to maintain 20+ year mortgage

All applications will be reviewed by the Family Selection Committee.  All information will be verified, background checks will be made and home visits will be made for all the applicants who qualify for a home.  One family will be selected from these applicants to receive the next Habitat home.  All other applicants are encouraged to reapply the following year.

 

Phase Three

Receiving preliminary approval does not guarantee you a home; there are additional steps that must be followed:

  • Sign and return preliminary approval letter
  • Complete at least 25 hours of sweat equityand pay at least $200 of your down payment before construction can begin.  These hours can be completed in the ReStore.
  • Complete Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University course prior to closing
  • Complete your required sweat equity prior to closing

If you have any questions, please contact the Lake of the Ozarks Habitat for Humanity office at 573-317-0470 or email questions to office@habitatlake.org.

 GUIDELINES

Your gross household income must generally fall between 25% and 60% of the Median Family Income for Camden County according to H.U.D.  Please contact us for this year’s income figures.

Note: Use gross household income to determine total family income. (Gross household income is the income before taxes have been taken out for anyone in the house making income)

INCOME GUIDLINES

Your gross household income must generally fall between 25% and 60% of the Median Family Income for Camden County according to H.U.D.  Please contact us for this year’s income figures.

Note: Use gross household income to determine total family income. (Gross income is your income before taxes have been taken out.)