Qualification Guidelines

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

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.

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.

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