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FAQ
Where does Habitat currently build homes?
Habitat currently has plans to build new constructions in the Orleans Parish neighborhoods of Upper 9th Ward, Central City, Hollygrove, and New Orleans East as well as in the Jefferson Parish neighborhood of Harvey. Partners have up to three opportunities to select a lot at one of Habitat’s lot selection fairs.
What size are the homes?
Our homes are 3 bedroom and 1 bathroom. All homes are approximately 1,100 square feet. Homeowners get a choice in the exterior siding and trim colors, as well as the tile, countertop, and carpet colors in the interior. The specific floor-plan is selected by Habitat based on the dimensions of the lot.
I have income such as food stamps, social security, or disability? Does Habitat count that?
To be accepted into our program you must demonstrate income within our guidelines but we count unearned as well as earned income; we will combine all sources of applicant(s) income to determine the household income total. If you are retired or do not work you must still have an income within our income guidelines.
What does Habitat look at on a credit report?
We look at your credit history and want to see that applicants have good or no credit and low monthly debts. Any past due debts (including collections, profit and loss, judgments, and liens) will have to be resolved to advance to a loan application.
What if I have filed for bankruptcy before?
In order to be considered for the Habitat program, it must be at least 2 years since you filed for bankruptcy.
If I am married, do I have to apply with my spouse?
If you are legally married you must apply with your spouse because Louisiana is a ‘community property’ state. If you are separated you will need to finalize a divorce before closing on your loan.
What about having a co-signor?
We do not accept co-signors. We do accept co-applicants, but a co-applicant must go through all of the stages of the application process, must plan to reside in the Habitat home, and must also be an active part of the Partnership process (sweat equity, escrow and homeowner education.)
What if I am not a first time home buyer?
You do not have to be a first time homebuyer. However, you cannot currently own a home or be paying a mortgage.
What if I owned a home before Katrina and...
a. I received Road Home money. You may or may not be applicable for the program; that will be determined on a case by case basis.
b. I own my own lot. We may or may not be able to build on your lot. If you qualify for our program, we will determine this on a case by case basis.
c. I want to rebuild or rehab my home. We do not currently do any rebuilding or rehab work; we only do new construction.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You must be either a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident alien. You will need to show both a social security card and a green card.
What if I do not currently live in New Orleans?
You must live in our Greater New Orleans service area to be accepted as a Partner Family (our service area is Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, or St. Charles parishes); all requirements take place in the Greater New Orleans area and you must be able to demonstrate that you have guaranteed income in the Greater New Orleans area.
What if I don’t want to apply with Habitat in the New Orleans area but I do want to apply in another area of the U.S.?
We only take applications for the New Orleans Area. There are Habitat affiliates all over the United States. You can contact Habitat for Humanity International 1 800 HABITAT for the phone number of a local affiliate or go to www.habitat.org. On the right side of that page, under quick links, click on local affiliates, then enter the zip code of the area in which you want to live.
- If accepted to the program, how long does it take to move into a house?
- Where does Habitat currently build homes?
- What size are the homes?
- I have income such as food stamps, social security, or disability? Does Habitat count that?
- What does Habitat look at on a credit report?
- What if I have filed for bankruptcy before?
- If I am married, do I have to apply with my spouse?
- What about having a co-signor?
- What if I am not a first time home buyer?
- What if I owned a home before Katrina and...
- What if I am not a U.S. citizen?
- What if I do not currently live in New Orleans?
- What if I don’t want to apply with Habitat in the New Orleans area but I do want to apply in another area of the U.S.?
If accepted to the program, how long does it take to move into a house?
Habitat is a long-term housing solution. If selected to our program, it typically takes 1-2 years before you would move into your new home. This is because you are completing requirements, then selecting a lot, then we are building a new house from scratch. Generally, the more quickly you complete your requirements and select a lot, the more quickly you will move through the program.
Where does Habitat currently build homes?
Habitat currently has plans to build new constructions in the Orleans Parish neighborhoods of Upper 9th Ward, Central City, Hollygrove, and New Orleans East as well as in the Jefferson Parish neighborhood of Harvey. Partners have up to three opportunities to select a lot at one of Habitat’s lot selection fairs.
What size are the homes?
Our homes are 3 bedroom and 1 bathroom. All homes are approximately 1,100 square feet. Homeowners get a choice in the exterior siding and trim colors, as well as the tile, countertop, and carpet colors in the interior. The specific floor-plan is selected by Habitat based on the dimensions of the lot.
I have income such as food stamps, social security, or disability? Does Habitat count that?
To be accepted into our program you must demonstrate income within our guidelines but we count unearned as well as earned income; we will combine all sources of applicant(s) income to determine the household income total. If you are retired or do not work you must still have an income within our income guidelines.
What does Habitat look at on a credit report?
We look at your credit history and want to see that applicants have good or no credit and low monthly debts. Any past due debts (including collections, profit and loss, judgments, and liens) will have to be resolved to advance to a loan application.
What if I have filed for bankruptcy before?
In order to be considered for the Habitat program, it must be at least 2 years since you filed for bankruptcy.
If I am married, do I have to apply with my spouse?
If you are legally married you must apply with your spouse because Louisiana is a ‘community property’ state. If you are separated you will need to finalize a divorce before closing on your loan.
What about having a co-signor?
We do not accept co-signors. We do accept co-applicants, but a co-applicant must go through all of the stages of the application process, must plan to reside in the Habitat home, and must also be an active part of the Partnership process (sweat equity, escrow and homeowner education.)
What if I am not a first time home buyer?
You do not have to be a first time homebuyer. However, you cannot currently own a home or be paying a mortgage.
What if I owned a home before Katrina and...
a. I received Road Home money. You may or may not be applicable for the program; that will be determined on a case by case basis.
b. I own my own lot. We may or may not be able to build on your lot. If you qualify for our program, we will determine this on a case by case basis.
c. I want to rebuild or rehab my home. We do not currently do any rebuilding or rehab work; we only do new construction.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You must be either a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident alien. You will need to show both a social security card and a green card.
What if I do not currently live in New Orleans?
You must live in our Greater New Orleans service area to be accepted as a Partner Family (our service area is Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, or St. Charles parishes); all requirements take place in the Greater New Orleans area and you must be able to demonstrate that you have guaranteed income in the Greater New Orleans area.
What if I don’t want to apply with Habitat in the New Orleans area but I do want to apply in another area of the U.S.?
We only take applications for the New Orleans Area. There are Habitat affiliates all over the United States. You can contact Habitat for Humanity International 1 800 HABITAT for the phone number of a local affiliate or go to www.habitat.org. On the right side of that page, under quick links, click on local affiliates, then enter the zip code of the area in which you want to live.