Become a Homeowner

Applicant criteria may vary from affiliate to affiliate. HFH of GVC requires applicants to demonstrate:

​

1. NEED – current housing is substandard

 

Lack of adequate housing may include one or more of the following:

• Problems with the present structure – water, heating, electrical, or sewage service systems are not functioning properly or failure to meet city property maintenance standards

• Overcrowding – the number of bedrooms in your home is inadequate considering the ages and genders of the household members

• Currently living with a friend or relative for what is meant to be a temporary stay

• More than 35% of your monthly income is currently spent on housing

​

2. ABILITY TO PAY -The guidelines listed are based on 2026-2027 median family income for Volusia County ($90,800) and adjusted for household size and affordability.

​

• Monthly debt payments (i.e. car, credit cards, loans, child support) are less than 40% of the monthly income

• Bills are consistently paid on time (one possible site to check your credit is www.annualcreditreport.com)

• After monthly expenses, there is sufficient income to save for closing costs (approximately $200 / month)

​

3. WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER – completion of “sweat equity” and Homeowner Education Classes, continued adherence to all program requirements.

• ​Assist, as appropriate, with construction tasks on houses being built, including your own home

• Assist at Habitat ReStore and events

• Attend monthly classes on financial literacy and various aspects of homeownership

• Routinely provide and be willing to confidentially discuss necessary household financial documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, etc.) with affiliate staff

​