April is Fair Housing Month, a time that commemorates the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This landmark legislation prohibited housing discrimination based on protected characteristics including race and national origin, opening up access to housing to more people. While great strides have been made to help make purchasing a home more accessible to all, it’s not always clear where to start.
Habitat SKKC helps individuals and families find affordable homes, whether they’re looking for a starter home to build their future or a long-term place to put down roots. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about finding affordable homeownership opportunities through Habitat SKKC.
Where do I find affordable homeownership opportunities in Washington state?
While most look to websites like Zillow or Redfin to begin their search, if you’re reading this, you could be home now! We have affordable homeownership opportunities in King and Kittitas Counties. You can learn everything you need to know about homes we currently have available at buyhabitat.org.
How does the homebuying process work at Habitat SKKC?
While there are a few steps along the journey to affordable homeownership, Habitat SKKC staff will guide you throughout the process:
- First, review our qualifications:
- Income: Total household income must be 80% or less than the Area Median Income.
- Ability to Pay: Applicants must demonstrate that they can afford the home’s mortgage payment without being cost-burdened. This includes having at least 1% of the purchase price set aside at the time of application.
- Residency: Applicant must live or work in the county they are applying in, must not have owned a home within the last three years, and must use the home as their primary residence.
- Willingness to Partner: Buyers must fulfill six partnership activities, including volunteering at Habitat construction sites or stores, speaking at a Habitat fundraiser or advocacy event, or giving an interview for print and digital storytelling. Additional activities are available.
- Once you understand the selection criteria, choose the home you’re interested in and fill out an application. (Applications are for specific homes, not our homeownership program in general.)
- If you qualify, you’ll have an opportunity to meet with Habitat SKKC staff to review your specific financial obligations, including your estimated monthly payments and up-front cash contribution, for your home purchase.
- If you are selected for a home, you’ll be connected with one of our approved lenders to apply for a mortgage.
How do I prepare for homeownership?
Habitat SKKC offers some homeownership readiness education to those enrolled in our program. Resources are also available on our YouTube channel.
Several government and nonprofit websites also provide resources:
- The Washington State Housing Finance Commission contains a wealth of information for first-time buyers, including resources for finding a lender, homebuyer education classes, and downpayment assistance programs.
- The Washington Homeownership Resource Center (WHRC) helps buyers with assistance programs, pre-purchase education, and post-purchase counseling.
Are there any special programs that could help me with homebuying?
- Black Homeownership Initiative (BHI): Many organizations working in the affordable homeownership space acknowledge the historical housing discrimination that has kept too many people locked out of homeownership. One of our key advocacy partners, the Black Homeownership Initiative (BHI), is a network of nonprofits, companies, government bodies, and associations focused on increasing Black homeownership. The BHI has set a goal of achieving 1,500 new Black homeowners in South Seattle, South King County, and North Pierce County within the next five years. A signature achievement of the BHI network is the Covenant Homeownership Program, which aims to right historical housing injustices by offering downpayment assistance to homebuyers with a family history in Washington dating back to before the passing of the 1968 Fair Housing Act. Learn more about program eligibility here.
- Debt Barrier Removal Program (DBRP): Every Habitat homeownership applicant is automatically screened for this program, and eligible applicants could have their debts paid off by Habitat SKKC, up to $50,000.
- Veteran’s Down Payment Assistance Program: Habitat SKKC offers down payment assistance, up to $150,000, exclusively for veteran buyers of Habitat homes. This includes a 0% deferred loan due upon transfer or sale. In an effort to prioritize veteran homeownership, Habitat SKKC reserves homes for veteran buyers and offers additional points in our selection process for veteran status.