Buy a Home
How the program works
Preble County Habitat for Humanity works with the selected applicant throughout the entire process. We provide hands-on learning by having the prospective homeowner work on the home build (sweat equity) and provide a homebuyer education program.
Partnership with Habitat
Applicants selected by Preble County Habitat for Humanity become a partner with us. We provide skills, education, and offer homebuyers an affordable mortgage to pay for their home.
affordable mortgages
The mortgage payment will not exceed 30% of the family’s monthly income.
Through our volunteers and donations made to Preble County Habitat for Humanity, we are able to build homes at a discounted rate and do not sell the homes for a profit. Every mortgage payment made by members of this program cycle back into our community to help build more affordable houses.
An affordable mortgage promotes greater self-reliance and stability for every family.
selection process
Each family must submit an application for consideration of the Buy A Home program. Applicants will have to meet the qualifications of our program.
The family applying must demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing and the household income will typically not exceed 60% of the median income in our local area. We verify that the prospective homebuyers have the ability to pay a mortgage.
Once selected, the prospective homebuyers must partner with us during the homebuying and building process. We require “sweat equity” on the part of every homebuyer which can be building the home, taking our homebuyer education class, or even working as a volunteer at our ReStore.
Preble County Habitat for Humanity follows a nondiscriminatory policy for the selection process, meaning, neither race nor religion is a factor. Click here to see a complete list of the policies we adhere to.
Process overview
- Complete a contact form on our website – this lets us know that you would like to begin the application process.
- Meet with Preble County Habitat for Humanity – here, we can answer questions you may have and provide additional information on the program.
- Submit application – we will reach out to you with the full application which you can complete and submit to Preble County Habitat for Humanity.
- Interview – after the informational meeting, eligible applicants will continue to an interview with Preble County Habitat for Humanity to discuss financial information.
- Home visit – depending on the information provided, the applying family may qualify for a home visit to determine the housing need.
- Selection – the Preble County Habitat for Humanity selection committee will review all information and determine which applicants will be selected based on the qualifications.
- If selected – the prospective homeowners will be required to attend orientation, the homebuyer education program, and start earning sweat equity hours.
If you are interested in our Buy A Home program, please complete this contact form.
Preble County Habitat for Humanity Mailing Address:
131 N Barron St.
PO Box 492
Eaton, Ohio 45320
Buy a Home FAQ's
What income is considered?
Applicants must be employed for at least 6 months to have their income considered. Any income received from Social security, pensions, SSI, SSD, child support, or other forms of government support will be considered. It is required that income is documented and is received regularly.
Will credit be checked?
Yes. We will need to pull a credit report to determine your debt-to-income ratio. A low or bad credit score will not necessarily disqualify you from the program. If selected, there will be requirements for credit counselling and repairing credit problems.
Is it possible to get a home for free?
No. Habitat homeowners will be matched with affordable mortgages which they must make monthly payments on until the home is paid for.
How long does the program take?
The Buy A Home program usually takes between 2-3 years to fully complete.
I need a home immediately. Can Preble County Habitat for Humanity help me?
If you have an immediate housing need, please contact the United Way’s HelpLink® 211.
You can call 2-1-1 which is available 24 hours a day to talk to a person that can help you based on your situation. Phone operators are trained in crisis intervention and problem solving. They will listen, research services available near you, and connect you to help.
