Home Build Program FAQ

What is the first step toward purchasing a habitat home?

If you are interested in the Habitat for Humanity Home Build Program and have reviewed the requirements to see if you qualify, the next step is to submit an application with all of the required documents. Review program requirements here: How to Apply

Can anyone apply to be a Habitat homeowner?

Yes. Habitat follows a nondiscriminatory policy of homeowner selection.

How do I apply to the Habitat homeownership program?

Candidates for a Habitat home must meet and follow strict qualification guidelines.

You may visit our office to pick up an application or simply download the application. After completing the application, gather all necessary documentation, and call the office to schedule an appointment to drop off your application and documentation. Once a completed application has been submitted, a follow-up Intake appointment will be scheduled to determine eligibility.

How can I qualify for a Habitat home?

Prospective Habitat homeowners must demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing, demonstrate the ability to pay an affordable mortgage, and be willing to partner with Habitat.

Prospective Habitat homeowners must demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing. Needs will vary from community to community.

Each household must demonstrate the ability to repay a mortgage by verifying that their annual income falls between thirty and eighty percent of the area median income for Yakima County which is determined by HUD’s income guidelines.

Habitat homeowners must demonstrate their willingness to partner throughout the process. This partnership includes performing “sweat equity,” or helping to build their own home or the homes of others in our homeownership program. Sweat equity can also include taking homeownership classes or performing volunteer work in a Habitat Store.

How long does the application process take?

It typically takes around 12-24 months from the time of filling out an application to when a household moves into their Habitat home.

*Due to unforeseen circumstances, the time from the application process to moving into a home varies depending on availability, community needs, funding and resources.

If pre-approved, how long will it take before I can purchase my habitat house?

Partners are in the program until their house has been built and sweat equity hours are completed; generally, 12 to 24 months. Ideally, construction of a partner family’s house begins within six months from the time of approval. Completion of the house will vary depending on each situation. The construction schedule and building requirements are complex and makes it difficult to predict the length of time from approval in the program to purchasing a house.

What happens after I submit my application?

Once your application is considered complete, an initial intake appointment with our current Homeowner Services Coordinator will be scheduled. During this appointment, our Homeowner Services Coordinator will evaluate your application.

Will a criminal background check and credit report be conducted?

Yes. Habitat does background checks on all household members over the age of 18. Criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant. Any issues that come up in a background check will be dealt with on an individual basis.

However, any sex offender related offenses are an automatic disqualification.

Who is considered a part of my household? How is my household size determined?

Only individuals who are currently living in the household can be considered when determining household size and the number of bedrooms the applicant qualifies for. A child is only considered in regard to household size if the applicant has at least 50% custody of that child. If a person is pregnant during the application process, the unborn child will be counted towards the household size. Please be sure to explain any household size situations in your application.

What is sweat equity?

Sweat Equity refers to the actual hands-on Involvement in the construction of the participating household’s home, as well as other Habitat programs, community activities, and events. Sweat Equity represents a Participant and their household’s physical and emotional investment in the mission of Habitat. Following approval into the program, the applicant must complete a total of 500 hours of sweat equity hours. All sweat equity hours must be completed before partners are able to purchase their home. The participant and their immediate household must complete a minimum of 175 hours sweat equity to maintain eligibility.

What kind of houses does Habitat build?

Habitat for Humanity is evolving to meet the increasing demand for affordable housing. We construct and sell simple, decent, and affordable homes that typically feature two to four bedrooms and range from approximately 900 to 1500 square feet. These are generally wood-frame houses.

In addition to traditional single-family detached homes, Habitat also develops common-wall housing (like duplexes or townhomes) and plans to begin building smaller one- and two-bedroom homes. These types of developments are designed to maximize living space and often provide a more budget-friendly option than detached houses.

Each Habitat home comes equipped with an electric range, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher, along with washer and dryer hookups.

Do applicants get to choose the location or design of the home?

The applicants get to request a city of where they wish to be located but it is not always granted. Please note, Habitat does not always have lots available where applicants wish to live.

No, Habitat does not build custom houses. Habitat builds homes based on each household’s needs. Habitat will choose the size of the house based on the households’ demographics.

Non-Proselytizing Policy
Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations (HFH) will not proselytize. Nor will HFH work with entities or individuals who insist on proselytizing as part of their work with HFH. This means that HFH will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must (i) adhere to or convert to a particular faith or (ii) listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.

Yakima Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity® is a tax-exempt 501(C) (3) nonprofit organization: Tax ID # 91-1307546. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed to the full extent of the law. All rights reserved. © 2025 Yakima Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity

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