residency

Applicant(s) must currently have lived and/or work in Talbot or Dorchester County, Maryland for at least six months.

housing need

Applicant(s) must be living in housing that is overcrowded, in disrepair, unsafe, or too costly.

qualifying income

Household income must fall within program guidelines. Income may include wages and other verifiable sources of funds, such as social security, disability, child support and retirement benefits. Current guidelines, which are based on gross (before taxes and deductions) household monthly income are as follows: $2,152 – $5,196 for a household size up to three; $2,600-$5,771 for a household of four; $3,048-$6,233 for a household of five. (Additional income guidelines available upon request)

ability to pay an affordable mortgage payment

Applicant must manage debts, monthly bills, and other expenses in a way that demonstrates the ability to pay a monthly mortgage payment, other debt payments and other typical household expenses.

Applicant cannot have debt accounts in “collection” or “charge off” status or have open financial judgements.

Applicant monthly recurring debts such as student loans, car loans, credit cards and the projected mortgage payment must be 43% or less of their monthly gross income.

screenings

Applicant and any person over 18 years of age who will live in the Habitat home will be screened through the National Sex Offender Registry and criminal background check.

can anyone apply to be a Habitat homebuyer?

Yes. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, disability, religion, national origin, family/marital status, or because all or part of income is derived from any public assistance program.

Willingness to partner with Habitat includes, but is not limited to, completing 200-300 “sweat equity” hours as a volunteer for Habitat to help build your home and the homes of others; attending education workshops; saving money toward closing costs; paying an affordable mortgage; and conducting yourself in a manner that aligns with the values and mission of Habitat Choptank.

what is sweat equity?

Every Habitat home buyer must earn at least 200-300 hours of sweat equity depending on family size by volunteering on the construction sites to build their future home and other Habitat homes or through helping out at our ReStore or other approved community service activities.  Extended family members who will not live in the house, friends and neighbors may help partners to accrue sweat equity. Sweat equity contributes to three fundamental Habitat goals: spirit of partnership, pride in ownership and development of skills and knowledge.

Your interest in purchasing a home with Habitat Choptank could be a big first step to a brighter future. If you are interested in more information or in speaking with someone about buying a Habitat home, complete this program inquiry form. The information will be emailed to our Family Services Coordinator. Please note that Habitat Choptank currently only has buildable lots available in Dorchester County (while we are completing homes in Talbot County, there are already homebuyers in the queue).