Don’t Miss Getting a Habitat For Humanity Home

Habitat for Humanity is a program that can put your family into a home that’s not only affordable, but also modern and efficient. Unfortunately, many myths about the program may have you doubting if it’s right for you.

Here are the major myths you should avoid so you can apply for Habitat housing now and move into that new home soon.

1. Habitat homes are cheap

When you think of Habitat for Humanity, do you instantly envision inexperienced people building a house out of wood? Do you feel like getting a Habitat home would be unsafe for your family? If so, it’s time to dispel those myths.

Yes, people volunteer to help build Habitat for Humanity homes in their community. And if you apply for a home, you’ll be expected to be one of them putting in that “sweat equity.”

However, trained professionals play a considerable role in the building process, so everyone is taught how to safely and correctly put the homes together. Also, any skilled or complicated work, such as plumbing, electrical, and roofing, is handled by experts in their fields.

As for home quality, it must match the size and quality of other homes in the area. In other words, your Habitat house won’t stick out like a sore thumb.

What about safety? You could say that Habitat homes are even safer than their counterparts, especially if federal grants are involved. Why? Because they’ll need to pass even more inspections to be funded.

Even if no federal funding is involved, you can rest assured that your home will be up to code or surpass it, so there’s no need to worry.

2. Habitat for Humanity damages a neighborhood’s property values

Again, Habitat homes must be built to code and pass inspections just like any other home. They must also match the size and quality of other houses, so they shouldn’t affect other people’s property values.

3. You have to be a certain race to get a home from Habitat for Humanity

Since the program adheres to the Equal Opportunity Lending and Fair Housing Laws, it does not discriminate based on gender, religion, race, sexual orientation, family status, or marital status.

As long as you meet eligibility requirements in terms of your ability to pay, willingness to partner, and need for housing, you should apply to the program.

4. You can get a free Habitat for Humanity home

If the thought of getting a handout turns you off or has you thinking you won’t have a pay a thing, know that Habitat homes are not free. You will have to pay a mortgage just like a regular homeowner.

Beyond that, you will also have to invest that aforementioned sweat equity by helping to build the home or do something similar if you’re physically unable to. Lastly, you will need to attend classes and counseling sessions as you transition into homeownership.

Add all of those time and money investments together, and you’ll see that Habitat for Humanity homes are certainly not free.

5. Habitat homes are expensive

While some think Habitat housing is free, others have this notion that it’s expensive.

Habitat for Humanity makes home ownership easy by offering lower-than-average mortgage payments and very low down payments and closing costs. If you’re looking to own your first home without having a ton of cash, this is a great way to achieve that dream.

Contact Habitat for Humanity Now

While the myths above are the big ones floating around, you can gain clarity on any other doubts you may have by contacting your local Habitat for Humanity.