Buying a home is a significant milestone in a person's life and being ready for the responsibilities associated with homeownership is vitally important for families who purchase affordable homes through Habitat for Humanity of East King County. If you are interested in applying (or know a family who might qualify), please review the following notes and contact the Family Services Manager at efortman@habitatekc.org for more information on this life-changing opportunity.

1. Review the qualifications for homeownership under the "Own a Home" tab. Qualified applicants meet ALL the criteria listed: need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner.

2. Attend a Family Information Meeting. Meetings for our upcoming Issaquah Highlands development are scheduled. Registration is not required and there is no obligation to attendees.

3. Get your finances in order. Applicant families considered for homeownership have "the ability to pay." This means debt is not excessive, no liens or judgments are pending, no bankrupties in the past year, and income is sufficient to pay a $750-$800 monthly mortgage/HOA dues/taxes payment. Obtaining a free copy of your credit report and reviewing it for inaccuracies is also an important step in securing your financial credibility.

4. Show your willingness to partner. If you choose to apply for homeownership, submit your complete application packet on-time. Deadlines are listed on all application packets when distributed at Info Meetings.

5. Visit a HFHEKC home development in Redmond or Snoqualmie, attend a dedication ceremony or volunteer on our construction sites. These are not requirements for homeownership but they provide applicants with first-hand HFHEKC experience and help folks determine if they are ready for homeownership and partnering with Habitat.

6. Stay in touch. Check in with the Family Services staff and look around the website to learn more about Habitat for Humanity.