Find answers about eligibility, income, credit, the application process, and Habitat homeownership.

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Eligibility Employment & income Property history Credit & debt Homeownership

General Eligibility

Questions about who can apply for Habitat homeownership.

+ Can I apply if I’m single, don’t have children, or am disabled or retired?

Yes. You can apply if you are single, do not have children, are retired, or have a disability.

Applicants must meet the three main requirements: need for housing, ability to pay an affordable mortgage, and willingness to partner with Habitat.

+ Can I apply with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?

No. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have a valid permanent resident card, also known as a green card.

+ Can I apply if only one spouse is a citizen or permanent resident?

No. Both spouses must meet the citizenship or permanent residency requirements.

+ Can I apply if I’m separated but not legally divorced?

No. A finalized divorce decree is required before you can apply.

Employment and Income

Questions about jobs, income, and what counts toward household income.

+ I recently started a new job. How long must I work there before applying?

You must work for your new employer for at least three months before applying.

If you changed jobs or roles within the same company, you may apply right away.

+ Does child support count as income?

Yes, if the child support is court-ordered and received regularly. Informal or undocumented payments do not count.

+ Are food stamps counted as income?

No. Food stamps are not counted as income for the homeownership application.

Property Ownership and History

Questions about past homeownership and bankruptcy.

+ Can I apply if I previously owned property?

Yes, if at least three years have passed since the property was sold or transferred.

+ Can I apply if I’ve filed for bankruptcy?

Yes, but you must wait a certain amount of time after the bankruptcy is discharged:

Chapter 7: Three years after discharge
Chapter 13: Seven years after discharge

Credit and Debt

Questions about credit reports, debt, collections, and student loans.

+ Do you look at my credit score? Is there a minimum?

We review your credit report, but there is no minimum credit score.

We look at your credit history and your debt-to-income ratio when reviewing your application.

+ Will collections or student loans affect my application?

Possibly. A history of making payments on time and having a manageable amount of debt are important factors.

Homeownership

Questions about timing, home locations, payments, and neighborhoods.

+ How long after approval will I move into my home?

Most homebuyers move into their home about 8 to 12 months after approval.

The timeline can vary based on available homes and how quickly program requirements are completed.

+ Do I get to choose my home’s location?

Yes. You may choose from available homes after you have completed part of the homeownership program requirements.

+ How much will my monthly payment be?

Your monthly payment is based on your income. The mortgage payment, property taxes, and homeowners insurance will not exceed 30% of your gross monthly income at closing.

+ Are Habitat homes part of an HOA?

Some Habitat homes are in neighborhoods with a homeowners association (HOA) or condominium owners association (COA). Other Habitat homes are not.

+ Where does Habitat build homes?

Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County builds throughout Pasco County east of the Suncoast Parkway.

Our service area includes communities such as Zephyrhills, Dade City, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Spring Hill, Crystal Springs, and Lacoochee.

View our service area →

Still have questions?

Learn more about Habitat homeownership requirements or contact us if you cannot find the answer you need.

View program requirements Contact us

Equal Housing Opportunity

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationality.