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Homeownership

We bring the dream of owning a home to reality. Habitat SCNJ provides homeownership opportunities with an affordable, income-based mortgage.

Homeownership Program

No matter who you are or where you come from, everyone deserves a decent, safe place to live. Habitat for Humanity SCNJ provides opportunities for families in need to build brighter futures for themselves and their children.

Through Habitat’s Homeownership Program, individuals who might not otherwise qualify for a traditional mortgage can still achieve the dream of owning a home.

How it Works

The Homeownership Program is designed for low to moderate income families to purchase a home with an affordable mortgage. Our families work hard to create a permanent solution to their housing struggles. Each Habitat partner family must complete 250 to 400 hours of “sweat equity” to build their home and the homes of other Habitat families, work in our ReStore, and complete financial, budgeting, and credit education workshops.

What is sweat equity?

Sweat equity is the non-monetary investment someone makes in the building process. It’s about doing the hard work to bring an idea to life. At Habitat for Humanity, that means you’ll likely spend some time helping build your home or another family’s home alongside volunteers and sponsors.

Sweat equity can take many forms for partner families working with Habitat:

  • construction work on the build site
  • volunteering in a Habitat ReStore
  • assisting in administrative duties
  • attending an event, and more.

This co-working approach informs Habitat’s emphasis on sweat equity: all of us work together so that homeowners can achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and for their families.

Why buy with Habitat?

At Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey we know that home ownership plays a critical role in breaking the cycle of poverty. As a Habitat homeowner, you’ll not only buy a home, but you’ll gain the stability and security that comes with it and a strong foundation for generations to come.

  • Income-based mortgage offers affordable monthly payments set at no more than 30% of your gross monthly household income.
  • Homebuyer education classes prepare you for the responsibilities of homeownership.
  • Post-purchase support provides maintenance advice, resources, and opportunities to connect with your community.
  • We are a trusted partner. For over 30 years, Habitat SCNJ has helped more than 283 families buy an affordable home.

Not financially ready yet? You may be eligible for our Almost Home Program which offers a customized action plan to help you learn to manage your budget, pay off debt, understand credit, and save for your home purchase.

Qualifications

To qualify for our Affordable Homeownership Program, applicants must meet three criteria:

  1. Need for Housing
  2. Ability to Pay
  3. Willingness to Partner (sweat equity!)

Income Guidelines for Burlington County

Family SizeMinimum (30%)Maximum (80%)
Family Size1 PersonMinimum (30%)$19,850Maximum (80%)$52,950
Family Size2 PersonsMinimum (30%)$22,700Maximum (80%)$60,500
Family Size3 PersonsMinimum (30%)$25,550Maximum (80%)$68,050
Family Size4 PersonsMinimum (30%)$28,350Maximum (80%)$75,600
Family Size5 PersonsMinimum (30%)$31,040Maximum (80%)$81,650
Family Size6 PersonsMinimum (30%)35,580Maximum (80%)$87,700
Family Size7 PersonsMinimum (30%)$40,120Maximum (80%)$93,750
Family Size8 PersonsMinimum (30%)$44,660Maximum (80%)$99,800

Income Guidelines for Mercer County

Family SizeMinimum (30%)Maximum (80%)
Family Size1 PersonMinimum (30%)$22,450Maximum (80%)$55,950
Family Size2 PersonsMinimum (30%)$25,650Maximum (80%)$63,950
Family Size3 PersonsMinimum (30%)$28,850Maximum (80%)$71,950
Family Size4 PersonsMinimum (30%)$32,050Maximum (80%)$79,900
Family Size5 PersonsMinimum (30%)$34,650Maximum (80%)$86,300
Family Size6 PersonsMinimum (30%)$37,200Maximum (80%)$92,700
Family Size7 PersonsMinimum (30%)$40,120Maximum (80%)$99,100
Family Size8 PersonsMinimum (30%)$44,660Maximum (80%)$105,500

Income Guidelines for Atlantic County

Family SizeMinimum (30%)Maximum (80%)
Family Size1 PersonMinimum (30%)$17,500Maximum (80%)$46,550
Family Size2 PersonsMinimum (30%)$20,000Maximum (80%)$53,200
Family Size3 PersonsMinimum (30%)$22,500Maximum (80%)$59,850
Family Size4 PersonsMinimum (30%)$26,500Maximum (80%)$66,500
Family Size5 PersonsMinimum (30%)$31,040Maximum (80%)$71,850
Family Size6 PersonsMinimum (30%)$35,580Maximum (80%)$77,150
Family Size7 PersonsMinimum (30%)$40,120Maximum (80%)$82,500
Family Size8 PersonsMinimum (30%)$44,660Maximum (80%)$87,800

Income Guidelines for Atlantic County

Family SizeMinimum (30%)Maximum (80%)
Family Size1 PersonMinimum (30%)$17,500Maximum (80%)$46,550
Family Size2 PersonsMinimum (30%)$20,000Maximum (80%)$53,200
Family Size3 PersonsMinimum (30%)$22,500Maximum (80%)$59,850
Family Size4 PersonsMinimum (30%)$26,500Maximum (80%)$66,500
Family Size5 PersonsMinimum (30%)$31,040Maximum (80%)$71,850
Family Size6 PersonsMinimum (30%)$35,580Maximum (80%)$77,150
Family Size7 PersonsMinimum (30%)$40,120Maximum (80%)$82,500
Family Size8 PersonsMinimum (30%)$44,660Maximum (80%)$87,800

Income Guidelines for Atlantic County

Family SizeMinimum (30%)Maximum (80%)
Family Size1 PersonMinimum (30%)$17,237Maximum (80%)$45,966
Family Size2 PersonsMinimum (30%)$19,700Maximum (80%)$52,533
Family Size3 PersonsMinimum (30%)$22,162Maximum (80%)$59,100
Family Size4 PersonsMinimum (30%)$24,625Maximum (80%)$65,666
Family Size5 PersonsMinimum (30%)$26,595Maximum (80%)$70,919
Family Size6 PersonsMinimum (30%)$28,565Maximum (80%)$76,173
Family Size7 PersonsMinimum (30%)$30,535Maximum (80%)$81,426
Family Size8 PersonsMinimum (30%)$32,505Maximum (80%)$86,679