Habitat for Humanity provides a unique opportunity for hardworking families to help build and buy their own homes. We work with WSHFC approved lenders to provide our homebuyers with an affordable mortgage based off their income so that the monthly mortgage payment (which includes property taxes, interest, association dues, homeowner’s insurance and association fees, if applicable) is no more than 30% of the homeowner’s total monthly income at the time of sale. If the homebuyer cannot afford to pay the full price of the home, Habitat for Humanity helps the homebuyer find Down Payment Assistance and provides subsidy financing for the remaining amount.
Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, or national origin.
If you are an applicant with a disability and need accommodations to access any of our services, please contact the Homeowner Services Department at 206.855.5193. TTY relay services are available by dialing 711.
If you are interested in receiving updates about future available communities and information meetings, sign up for the mailing list below. Email notifications will be sent to those on this list when information meetings are scheduled.
Family Selection Criteria
Habitat for Humanity of Seattle-King County believes and insists on nondiscriminatory family selection criteria for all homeowner applicants. Homebuyers applying to Habitat for Humanity of Seattle-King County must meet the following criteria:
Demonstrate a need for adequate and affordable housing:
Applicant must be a first time homebuyer.
ONE of the following must be TRUE:
1. The applicant is “cost burdened” (defined as spending more than 30% of their gross income for housing).
2. The applicant is living in overcrowded, run-down, defective, or unsafe housing.
3. The applicant is living in subsidized housing or a temporary housing situation (ex: Section 8).
Demonstrate ability to pay:
An applicant’s gross income must be less than 80% of King County’s median income based on family size (60% for some areas). The average monthly payment for a Habitat for Humanity house is $900 – $1300.
Monthly backend debt (including card or credit card payments) must be no more than 43% of an applicant’s monthly income.
Applicants must have a minimum credit score of at least 620 for new construction homes, 640 for existing homes, and their credit report must be clear of liens and judgments. Any bankruptcies must be discharged at least 4 years ago.
2019 Income Guidelines
| Family Size | Minimum Income | Maximum Income Allowed |
| 1 | $30,000 | $61,800 |
| 2 | $31,000 | $70,600 |
| 3 | $32,000 | $79,450 |
| 4 | $32,100 | $88,250 |
| 5 | $34,680 | $95,350 |
| 6 | $37,260 | $102,400 |
| 7 | $39,810 | $109,450 |
| 8 | $42,390 | $116,500 |
Residency
Applicant must live or work in King County.
Applicant must be a permanent legal resident of the United States at the time of application.
Applicant must use the home as their primary residence.
Willingness to Partner
Sweat Equity: An applicant must be willing to complete 250 hours of sweat equity per household. Sweat Equity is Habitat’s term for the labor that Habitat homeowners put into building their houses and the houses of their neighbors.
Households are required to complete at least 250 hours of sweat equity. They can complete their hours on our construction sites, in our stores, through homeowner education classes, or by working in our office. We can accommodate individuals with disabilities on a case by case basis.
FAQ
Before making a phone call or sending an e-mail, take a look at some of the common questions people have about our homeownership program. Learn more>>
Veteran's Homeownership
If you or someone you know is a veteran and is interested in learning more about our homeownership program, register below to attend our next information meeting. Learn more>>
Education & Resources
Whether you’re a Habitat homeowner, home repair applicant, or a member of the community looking for help, we’re here for you. Click through for local housing and family resources. Learn more>>
Meet Habitat Homeowners
Habitat has housed hundreds of families over our 30 year history in Seattle–King County. Read some of our homeowner stories and see pictures of completed homes around the area. Learn more>>
