Qualification Criteria

Please carefully review all of the qualification criteria, as it has changed. If you have any questions, please e-mail info@buttehabitat.org or call (530) 343-7423.

 

About the Program

Habitat for Humanity of Butte County will be building eight homes in Paradise for the 2025/2026 season.

Applicants are considered for homeownership based on the following core criteria:

  • Demonstrated need for affordable housing
  • Income within Habitat’s program guidelines
  • Ability to pay an affordable mortgage
  • Willingness to partner with Habitat through sweat equity

Need for Housing

Applicants must demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing.

Present Housing Situations:

  • Priority will be given to the most vulnerable in our community (Disaster affected persons, displaced persons, single-parent households, older people 65+, persons with disabilities, and persons with a long-term illness)
  • Cost Burdened household (paying more than 30% of gross income for housing)
  • Overcrowded housing (more than two (2) children per room, adults sharing a room with children, children of different sex sharing a room)
  • Substandard housing  (problems with maintenance and repairs)
  • A resident of Public Housing
  • Unable to secure adequate housing
  • Desires homeownership

Ability to Pay

Habitat partners with families to ensure homeownership is sustainable and affordable.

Total Gross Income:

 Monthly gross income is 60-80% of HUD median income for Paradise. Income must be stable, and any supplementary income must also be stable and likely to continue.

  • Debt-to-income must be manageable, falling between the ratio of  33/41 for all applicants.
  • Ability to pay a $2,000 down payment to HFHBC 30 days before closing. 
  • Have not been a homeowner within the last three years. 
  • Demonstrate the ability to manage a monthly budget. 
  • History of timely payments and stable work history. 
  • The ability to qualify and participate in State and Federal programs First Time Homebuyer Programs.
  • Any assets in excess of $15,000 for individuals under 62 and $20,000 for individuals over 62 will be required as a down payment.
  • If your credit score is less than 650 additional documentation will be required. 
  • Liens and judgments- No liens or judgments that cannot be cleared before closing. 
  • Free of significant delinquencies or bankruptcies.

Willingness to partner

Sweat Equity:  Understands and is willing to perform at least 250 hours of sweat equity per adult per household from the beginning of our partnership to the completion of the home.

Commitment:  Commitment to the community.   Commitment to a drug-free community.

Lawful Permanent Resident:  Applicant must provide proof of permanent residency (ie green card).

Criminal Record: No adult member of the household has a criminal record that poses a likely future risk to neighbors, Habitat staff, or Habitat volunteers. 

QUESTIONS?

Please contact the Habitat office at (530) 343-7423
with any questions that you may have or e-mail info@buttehabitat.org