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Homebuyer Program

The dream of homeownership can be yours

Why Rent When You Can Buy

Are you, or someone you know, looking for a sustainable housing solution? Are you ready to become a homeowner? Habitat for Humanity’s unique homeownership program offers an opportunity that combines affordability with an incredible sense of pride and community engagement.

In addition to making affordable monthly mortgage payments, Habitat homeowners actively invest “sweat equity”. By contributing this “sweat equity,” our homeowners become partners in the transformative process of building strong, supportive communities. Together, we make the dream of homeownership a reality, one joyful milestone at a time.

Recent Success Stories

Sarah Robatcek’s Story

Since entering Habitat’s homeownership program, Sarah Robatcek has been eager to build more than just a house. The personal growth, independence, and confidence she’s established in the last year alone speaks to her determination to build a more secure life.

Read More »

Rose Galloway’s Story

Nearly ten years ago, Rose Galloway packed up everything she had and made her journey to the United States. Though eager to establish roots and make a new life for herself, she carried her love of Jamaica everywhere she went, proudly boasting about her native country to all who would listen.

Read More »

Shaniqua Saez’s Story

Habitat family partner, Shaniqua, is no stranger to a difficult journey. Whether it’s navigating devasting loss or working to build stability through home, she is up for the challenge.

Read More »

How to Qualify

Homebuyer Services Program

Beginning July 1, 2024, The Homebuyer Program is only open to individuals that have successfully completed the Housing Counseling Program offered by Indian River County Habitat for Humanity, Inc., and identified as a prospective candidate by the Housing Advisor. Completion of the Housing Counseling Program does not guarantee acceptance into the Habitat Homebuyer Program and all applicants must meet the requirements of IRCHFH to be considered.

Housing Counseling Program

Click Here to view the Housing Counseling Program Action Steps.

Homeowner applicants must also:

Household Size*
Minimum
Maximum
1 Person
$36,000$47,750
2 Person
$36,000$54,550
3 Person
$36,000$61,350
4 Person
$36,000$68,150
5 Person
$36,000$73,650
6 Person
$36,000$79,100
7 Person
$36,000$84,550

How To Apply

1. Pre-screen application.  

The first step is completing a Pre-Screen Application. You can also pick up a form in person at reception area of The Burnham Center, 4568 N. US Highway 1 in Vero Beach (located behind the Habitat ReStore). Once completed, you can submit the form online using the link above, or return the completed form to The Burnham Center, Monday to Friday between 8:30 am – 5pm.   

Pre-screen approval takes approximately 2 weeks.  

2. Program Orientation 

If you meet the pre-screen qualifications, you will be invited to watch the homebuyer orientation video. Upon completion of the orientation, Habitat staff will review current housing circumstances and also review your credit report. 

3. Application Packet 

Should you decide to proceed, Habitat will send you a full application to complete.   

The application process can take between 1 to 2 months, depending on how quickly you respond to document requests and how complete your documents are. Incomplete documentation will delay processing.  

4.  Board Approval & Acceptance  

The application approval process includes home visit to your current. Following committee and board approval, Habitat will send you an acceptance letter.  

5.  Sweat Equity & Savings 

In lieu of a down payment, every Habitat homebuyer must work 300 hours (or 500 for a couple) building Habitat homes, and must commit to saving $2,500 to fund an escrow account before closing.  

6.  Homebuyer Education Classes  

Every Habitat homebuyer must successfully complete 12 mandatory financial literacy and homeowner education classes.   

7.  Lot assignment  

Once a homebuyer has completed 60% of sweat equity and savings requirements, applicants are invited to select a site from lots currently available.   

8.  Wall Raising & Construction  

Pick out paint color and finishes, HUD Counseling, underwriting and mortgage loan processing.  

9. Dedication  

A ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration with family, friends, and Habitat staff at the site of the future home. 

10. Closing  

This is the last step toward homeownership. Following the closing, the homebuyer becomes a homeowner.

Homebuyer Orientation Video

Homebuyer Classes

5 Week Course — By Invitation Only  

Classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.   

Each class is scheduled for 1 ½ hours.  

Classes are held from 6-7:30pm.

Please do not be late. Doors will be locked at 6pm.  

No children are allowed; parents must make prior arrangements. 

All classes must be completed prior to your home dedication and are required in order to close on your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Indian River Habitat’s family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the no profit, no interest loan. 
  • Indian River Habitat is an Equal Opportunity Lender. 

No. Habitat homeowners purchase their homes from Indian River Habitat through a zero-percent interest mortgage. 

The application process can take 1-2 months depending on how quickly applicants complete the required paperwork, but it can take up to a year or longer from first application to the close on your home as “sweat equity” of 300 to 500 hours is required. 

No, but you must have a steady income and meet the household income minimums. Income guidelines are listed above.  Qualifying income includes but is not limited to child support, alimony, SSA, SSI, retirement and income from your employment. 

Married or single people can apply and you don’t have to have children to qualify. 

We currently build in Oslo Park. We will be building in Gifford and Vero Lake Estates soon.

Your home size will be based on the current needs of your family. 

Yes, friends and family members can help you work up to half of the required sweat equity requirements which are 300 hours for a single adult household and 500 hours for a dual adult household. 

Yes. Your complete income tax records for the previous two years will be evaluated closely to ensure that you meet the income minimum and do not exceed the maximum income for your family size. 

Yes. Habitat holds no ownership to the property once the closing process is complete. 

If you have a will in place, you will make that decision. If not, Habitat can recommend a lawyer who can help you set up your will.  

Yes, unfortunately, we have. You will purchase your home from us, and we expect you to make timely monthly mortgage payments. If you do not make your payments for two consecutive months or more, Habitat may begin foreclosure. Your payments are important because they help fund homes for future families. 

We are currently not accepting applications. Please check back.