Homeownership Program Criteria

Please see the information and list of qualifications below:

Step 1

Review Program Qualifications

General Requirements

  • Must be a first-time homebuyer

  • Must currently live and/or work in Broward County for at least a year

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (green card holder)

Financial Requirements

  • Show a stable employment history
  • Have sufficient credit history, with no accounts in collection, no unsatisfied public records, and no bankruptcies within the last three years.
  • Establish a monthly savings account
  • Total debt-to-income ratio including a Habitat mortgage payment of 30% of household income must be less than 43%

Step 2

Determine Eligibility

To see if you qualify to the Homeownership Program, you have two options:

  • Attend a virtual Information Session to hear more about Habitat’s program requirements and learn next steps for applying to the homeownership program.

  • During open enrollment fill out our Pre-Qualification Questionnaire to see if you meet all program requirements. You will receive a notification within 30 days, either inviting you to the next stage in the application process or providing reasons why you do not qualify.

Step 3

Complete Application

Applicants who meet the initial criteria will be invited to continue to the next stage of the application process, which includes:

  • Step-by-step on how to complete your submission packet
  • Collection of required verification documents
  • Receipt of your official Homeownership Program application packet

Once submitted, your packet will be reviewed to verify income, credit, banking, and background information. If all criteria and guidelines are met, you will advance to the next step in the process.

The full application process typically takes 60–90 days, with regular updates provided to keep you informed of your status.

Step 4

Home Visit

The Home Visit is an important step to determine and assess housing need.

After Home Visits have been completed, an independent Home Selection Committee will make their board recommendations for final selections into the Homeownership Program.

Step 5

Homeownership Program & Sweat Equity

At Habitat Broward, the journey to homeownership truly begins once a Homeowner Candidate is accepted into our program. From that point forward, each Homeowner Candidate is paired with our in-house Housing Advisor, who serves as their dedicated financial coach throughout the entirety of the program.

  • During an initial intake session, the Housing Advisor works closely with the Homeowner Candidate to assess their financial situation and establish a personalized plan. From there, monthly one-on-one coaching sessions focus on:

    • Budgeting and financial planning
    • Credit health and improvement strategies
    • Debt reduction and savings goals
    • Action steps toward long-term financial stability
    • This ongoing support empowers Future Homeowners to make informed financial decisions, build healthy financial habits, and prepare for successful homeownership.
  • Sweat Equity is a key part of Habitat’s program, helping build community, strengthen homeowner skills, and support our mission. By working alongside staff, volunteers, and neighbors, Homeowner Candidates actively invest in their future homes and neighborhoods. Each candidate must complete 300 hours of Sweat Equity through activities such as:

    • Assisting in the construction of Habitat homes
    • Supporting operations at the Habitat ReStore
    • Helping with Neighborhood Revitalization projects (painting, critical repairs, weatherization)
    • Attending monthly Homeowner Education workshops (homeownership, maintenance, financial management, life skills)
    • Participating in public relations/marketing efforts to raise awareness and funds
    • Serving as an ambassador in the community to improve neighborhoods

The full process typically takes 18–24 months from application to move-in. For more information about our Homeownership Program, please contact our Homeowner Services Team at homeownership@habitatbroward.org.