Qualification Guidelines

Find out if your family qualifies to purchase a Habitat Bakersfield home.

Minimum Requirements to Purchase a Home

  • Be legal residents of the USA
  • Pay bills on time
  • Live or work in Kern County
  • Able to pay a long-term mortgage
  • Is your household between 3 and 7 people
  • Willing to work closely with Habitat Bakersfield

Family Selection Criteria

The Family Selection Committee reviews applications and follows a step-by-step Family Selection Process. Three basic things are considered by the Committee - need for adequate housing, ability to pay a mortgage and willingness to partner with Habitat Bakersfield.

Need

Families must have a significant need for improved housing, such as:

  • Living conditions are overcrowded, unhealthy, or in a dangerous neighborhood.
  • Housing costs are more than 50% of monthly income.
  • Families living in subsidized housing may also be eligible.

Ability to Pay

Purchasing a Habitat Bakersfield home is a big investment. A family's source of income must be steady and verifiable. No more than 30% of your monthly income will go towards the mortgage payment. To be eligible, your family's annual gross income must be between $16,000 - $33,000. Income for all family members (before taxes) who will reside in the home is included, such as:

  • Wages and salaries
  • Alimony
  • Child support
  • Public assistance

To qualify, a family's credit report must show that the family:

  • Is without too much debt
  • Has paid off accounts in collection or charge-offs
  • Has no tax liens
  • Has been without bankruptcy at least two years
  • Can explain late payments

Willingness to Partner

  • Complete 500 Hours of Sweat Equity
  • Attend courses: Budgeting, Homeownership, etc.
  • Participate in media events and interviews
  • Participate in homeowners association

If you feel you meet the qualifications listed above, you can find out more about the family selection process or apply for a home