Left: Tobbie Carter helps raise the trusses on her house
Right: Tobbie Carter celebrates homeownership

Are you interested in building and buying your own home?
Do you have the commitment necessary to maintain your home?
Are you interested in forming a community with your new neighbors?

Austin Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with qualifying partner families and the community, and then sells the homes at no profit with zero percent interest mortgages to partnering families. Austin Habitat also works with families in developing the skills, self-confidence and empowerment necessary for successful living.

The process of applying for a Habitat home begins with attending an Orientation Session. You must attend an Orientation Session to pick up an application. Orientations are full for 2011. Please call 512.472.8788 X 100 on 12/15/11 to register for an Orientation in the second half of 2011.

Application Process

Step 1. Do you qualify? Austin Habitat builds houses along with families who demonstrate a need for housing , the ability to pay a mortgage and also a willingness to partner. Click here for more detailed information.
Step 2. Attend an Orientation Session: Find out more about Austin Habitat’s homeownership program and how to apply.
Step 3. Return your application to AHFH: Our Family Selection Committee evaluates your family’s financial preparedness for homeownership, including credit history, debt, and income.
Step 4. Home Interview: Our Family Selection Committee volunteers schedule an interview in your home to meet your family and see your living conditions.
Step 5. Approval: Our Family Selection Committee identifies qualified families, and submits them to a Qualifying Committee for final approval.
Step 6. Sweat Equity and Education: If approved, you will begin your 24 homebuyer education classes and 400 hours (minimum) of sweat equity. Sweat equity is an exciting learning experience in which you work with family, neighbors, and friends to build other families’ homes as well as your own. Hours can also be earned at the ReStore or in the office.
Step 7. Lot Selection: After completing half of your courses and half of your required sweat equity, you will be permitted to choose a lot from AHFH land inventory. You will also choose your floorplan, exterior paint colors, and floor and countertop colors.
Step 8. Home Construction: Your home begins, and you will complete your sweat equity!
Step 9. Dedication: Habitat staff, volunteers, and donors who have been with you every step of the way gather with your family and friends to dedicate your new home!
Step 10. Lifetime Partnership: After we close on the house, you move in! Partner families are expected to remain engaged with Habitat’s mission by staying in good communication with Habitat, making timely mortgage payments, and assuming an active role in their neighborhoods.

The application process takes roughly 4-6 months. The sweat equity requirement takes 12 to 18 months. It generally takes about 2 years to complete the entire process, from the date of the application to the house closing.

If applicants do not meet Austin Habitat for Humanity’s criteria for homeownership, and are not selected into the program, they will receive a letter with a description of the reason and a referral to free credit counseling if necessary.

There is no limit to how many times an individual can apply for a Habitat home, so we encourage those applicants who don't make it the first or second time to reapply!