HABITAT HOMEOWNERSHIP

We will be accepting applications in November for six houses in Columbia Falls.

1-Four Bedroom Home, 3-Three Bedroom Homes, 2-Two Bedroom Homes

Homeownership Selection Criteria

  • Income Qualifications

    GROSS* household income must fall within the ranges below, 30% and 80% of Area Median Income, based on HUD 2024 Flathead County

    *Gross income is total income before taxes. Overtime, bonuses, commissions, tips, and self-employment income require a 2-year history for inclusion in calculations.

    Household Size Min/Max Household Income

    One Person $20,300 - $54,050

    Two People $23,200 - $61,800

    Three People $26,650 - $69,500

    Four People $32,150 - $77,200

    Five People $37,650 - $83,400

    Six People $43,150 - $89,600

    Seven People $48,650 - $95,750

  • Ability to Pay Affordable Mortgage:

    Verifiable steady income

    Low Debt-to-Income Ratio-Calculate yours HERE

    Verifiable, reasonably good credit: 660+

    Willing to save a minimum of $3500 up to 1% of the sales price of the home for closing costs

    No recent outstanding judgements or bankruptcy claims

    Financial ability to make long-term mortgage payments to include property taxes, property insurance, and HOA dues, if applicable

  • Need for Better Housing:

    Overcrowded space

    Unsafe living conditions

    Temporary housing

    Rent burdened (more than 30% of income going towards rent)

    First-time homebuyer (defined as not owning a home in the last three years)

  • Willingness to Partner with Habitat:

    Must be a resident of Flathead County for one year

    Must be willing to meet ‘Sweat Equity’* requirements of 275 hours per homeowner and two organized volunteer days

    Must be willing to take first time buyer and financial readiness classes

    Must be willing to participate in one-on-one mentorship program focusing on financial stability and homeownership

    Home must be occupied by the owner, not rented or sublet

*SWEAT EQUITY is a requirement for Habitat homebuyers to contribute volunteer hours to build their own home and the homes of others Habitat homebuyers.

The Sweat Equity hours performed by Homebuyers will not reduce the purchase price of the house. If a Homebuyer decides to withdraw from the Homeownership program or is deselected, Habitat Flathead will not pay or compensate the Homebuyer for any of these hours.

Applicants are applying for a home loan through Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley, Glacier Bank and the Montana Board of Housing. Eligibility is based upon several qualifying factors and approval by the Board of Directors.

Listed below is the documentation required to determine eligibility of all applicants.  

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED?

YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IN ORDER FOR YOUR APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED COMPLETE.

  1. Proof of residency in Flathead County for at least 12 months:

    • A copy of your Montana issued driver’s license OR identification card (for criminal background check and loan processing)

  2.  Proof of Income:

    • Last three months most recent paystubs or income statements for all parties in the household from employment OR a copy of disability/social security/retirement statement

    • A copy of recent benefits statements or child support paperwork, including Social Security, SSI, TANF, SNAP (food stamps), child support, alimony, etc.

    • Tax returns from the last 2 years (or proof you were exempt from filing: see exemptions at IRS).

    • IRS Form 4506-T: Request for Transcript of Tax Return

      • This form will help you access your previous tax records from the IRS if you don’t currently have them in your possession

  3. Housing:

    • Rental agreement with move in date, rent paid per month, and landlord’s information

    • If you pay another person rent or utilities, that person MUST write their rent (utilities if included) and how much you pay them per month towards that amount. (Receipts, cashier’s check stub, etc. showing how much you pay that person)

  4. Bills and Debts:

    • Last 3 months of banking statements of all accounts for all parties in the household (checking, savings, retirement, etc.)

    • Last 3 months of debt statements (credit cards, auto loans, student debt, etc.) for all parties in the household

    • Last 3 months of utility statements (electric, gas, phone, etc.)

  5. Documents for Completion-Following documents will be available when our application period opens:

    • Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley’s 2024 Homeownership Application

    • Disclosures requiring completion: (Complete one for each adult in the household if applicable)

      • Authorization for Employment Verification

      • Authorization for Public Assistance Verification

      • Authorization for Deposit Account Verification

      • Request for Landlord Reference

    • Disclosures requiring completion and signatures:

      • Authorization to Release Financial Information

      • Authorization to Release Criminal History, Credit Report, & Sex Offender Registry Information

      • Equal Credit Opportunity Act Notice

      • E-Sign Disclosure (Complete one for each adult in the household)

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

With the support of community partners, donors, and volunteers, Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley constructs new homes alongside Habitat homebuyers. Our homeownership program is designed to assist first-time homebuyers achieve the strength and stability of homeownership.

Habitat homes are sold to selected homebuyers at no profit. All homebuyers must invest sweat equity hours building their future Habitat home and the homes of other Habitat homebuyers.

The pre-approval selection of homebuyers who will purchase houses from Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley is done by the Board of Directors in a way that does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or national origin.