Homeownership through Habitat for Humanity EKC

Homeownership Criteria

For families earning less than 50 percent of the area’s median income (AMI), owning a home in East King County is nearly impossible. Almost one-fourth of Eastside families pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing; overcrowding and substandard conditions are not atypical.

To be eligible for Habitat's homeownership program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Residency

Applicants must live or work in King County for at least one year prior to applying.
Applicants must be legal permanent residents or citizens of the United States at time of application.

2. Need (at least one of the following)

Overcrowding (three or more people to a bedroom).
Transitional or temporary housing situation.
Unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
Paying significantly more than 30 percent of gross income toward rent.

3. Ability to Pay

Steady income sufficient to pay a monthly mortgage (approx. $750 - $850 per month).
Earn less than 50 percent AMI* (see chart below).

Habitat applicants may not exceed
Family of Six	$49,650
Family of Five	$46,250
Family of Four	$42,800
Family of Three	$38,550
Family of Two	$34,250
Family of One	$30,000

*Some developments allow for applicants to earn up to 60 percent AMI

4. Willingness to Partner

Work 500 hours on the construction of your home or other sweat equity projects.
Participate in homeowner trainings, such as budgeting and home repair.
Positively represent Habitat for Humanity in the community.

5. First-time Homebuyer

Habitat homeowner applicants cannot have owned a home in the past three years.

Our Partner Family Quarterly Newsletter is now available online!

Habitat for Humanity of East King County's homeownership criteria is available in languages other than English to better serve the diversity of our community. If you would like this information translated into a language not shown here, please e-mail Stephanie, Family Services Support.