Habitat for Humanity Choptank invites community members to a home buyer information session at the St. Michaels Branch of the Talbot County Free Library on Monday, June 19th at 5:30pm. This free event is open to any individuals and families who may be interested in purchasing a home in partnership with Habitat in St. Michaels. The nonprofit home builder is working on a new seven-home project in the Town.
Following a presentation about the requirements buyers must meet to purchase a home of their own, there will be the opportunity to hear from an owner who previously bought a home from Habitat Choptank. Habitat homes are not given away but are sold to buyers who meet the program criteria and can show an ability to make an affordable monthly mortgage payment. The homes are affordable because Habitat Choptank sells its houses at cost and at no profit, the homes are built with mostly volunteer labor, and the homes are energy efficient and constructed with durable materials.
The application process begins with verification of household income. To qualify for financing with Habitat Choptank, buyers must have an annual income between $26,320 – $48,880 (for up to a household of four; income range adjusted for larger households). Income includes gross wages and salary along with other verifiable sources of income such as child support or social security.
“These are buyers who can’t qualify for conventional financing but who also have the dream of home ownership,” explains Ingram. In this income range, applicants can document an ability to repay an affordable mortgage for the purchase of a moderately priced house.
Habitat home buyers are partners in every sense of the word. They contribute sweat equity toward the construction of their future home and on the homes of other Habitat buyers. Homeowners also participate in a series of classes designed to prepare them for the responsibilities of homeownership.
“The first step is just talking with us to see if you might qualify,” says Ingram. Buying a home can seem like such a huge goal. “Our process is broken down into steps and it starts by simply asking about the program and discussing your circumstances. If you don’t qualify today, we’ll tell you what changes are needed to meet our criteria.”
In addition to this St. Michaels event, Habitat Choptank hosts general home buyer information sessions most months at its Trappe office at 29350 Maple Avenue. The June office event is set for Tuesday, June 27 at 5:30pm. Community members attending on the 27th can also learn about purchasing in St. Michaels as well as opportunities to buy homes in Easton, Cambridge and Hurlock where a mix of new construction and rehab homes are currently in progress.
Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has empowered 72 working households from Talbot and Dorchester counties to build a better future for themselves through the stability and security of owning a home they can afford. Currently, eight buyers are working through Habitat’s multi-step program toward the goal of becoming successful home owners and additional applicants are welcome. For information about home ownership, to volunteer with Habitat Choptank or to make a donation, visit www.habitatchoptank.org or call 410-476-3204.
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