Habitat Home Ownership
Qualifying households buy a newly built home through an affordable mortgage in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties — sized to what they actually earn, and built in part by their own hands.
The Path to Homeownership
Six stages, from your first form to your first set of keys. How long each takes depends on how many homes are available.
1
Pre-application & Orientation
We review your household's income and size against the basics, and walk you through what it actually means to be a Habitat homeowner.
2
Qualification & Selection
You'll submit a full application — credit check, background check, and income verification. We select based on ability to pay, need for housing, and willingness to partner.
Ability to pay
Need for housing
Willingness to partner
3
Lottery
Qualified applicants are chosen at random. How many we can select depends on how many homes are available that phase.
4
Partnership Hours
Each household contributes 500 volunteer hours — building their own home, or another Habitat family's, alongside our crew.
5
Escrow
A final income review, then your loan moves through escrow — a $1,500 down payment plus closing costs.
6
Move In
Keys in hand. You're a Habitat homeowner.
Not sure which program fits your family?
Tell us where you're starting from — buying, repairing, or recovering — and we'll point you to the right one.
Or call (831) 469-4663