Fox Cities Habitat Homebuyer Program

Homebuyer

Fox Cities Habitat Homebuyer Program

For more information about the program and eligibility requirements, review the Homebuyer Guidelines linked below and watch the Homebuyer Information Session video.

Homebuyer Program Guidelines

See our Available Properties

Our Homebuyer program makes the dream of homeownership possible for many Fox Cities families. Having a safe, affordable home empowers a family to invest in a more secure future for themselves and their children.

The Homebuyer program allows qualified, low income, hardworking people in the Fox Cities to purchase a home with a 0% interest mortgage loan. Monthly mortgage payments include repayment to Fox Cities Habitat for the home’s principal amount, the property taxes and home insurance.

If you are unsure if you would qualify for the Homebuyer program, or are looking for help to become eligible, visit our Almost Home page!

View Available Properties Here

Interested in our Homebuyer Program?

This is not an application! This form is to show interest in the Homebuyer program. To apply, you must print off our application or pick up a copy at our office located at 921 Midway Road in Menasha. Our next application cycle will be this winter. We will provide dates as soon as possible.

At Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity, we’ve helped hundreds of families through our Homebuyer program. If you live or work in Calumet, Outagamie, Waupaca or Northern Winnebago county, please fill out the form below to receive more information about the application process.

Apply if You Qualify

Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity offers a Homebuyer program to qualified low-income individuals and families in Calumet, Outagamie, Waupaca and Northern Winnebago counties.

Individuals interested in home ownership through Fox Cities Habitat will need to complete and submit an application along with a $75 application fee (one fee per application) when applications cycles are open.

Please review the Homebuyer program applicant guidelines to learn more about the program.

Homebuyer Guidelines

Income Guidelines

There are times when we have more applicants than homes we can build. We’ve developed a needs-based scoring system that allows us to prioritize families facing the greatest need for affordable, safe housing.Homebuyer Application Cycle Opens June 29th!

Program applicants must need Fox Cities Habitat housing due to one or more of the following circumstances:

Structurally substandard, unsafe or unhealthy living conditions
Temporary housing or over-crowded living conditions
Housing costs, including rent and utilities, exceeds 30% of your gross monthly household income
Housing is inaccessible
Residence in subsidized or transitional housing (section 8, title 42)

The proposed income guidelines are based on family size. A family’s gross annual income must be at or above the minimum and at or below the maximum to be eligible.

Homebuyer Program Guidelines

Family Size	Minimum	Maximum
1	$42,675	$62,300
2	$42,675	$71,200
3	$45,600	$80,100
4	$45,600	$88,950
5	$48,050	$96,100
6	$51,600	$103,200
7	$55,150	$110,300
8	$58,725	$117,450
9	$62,275	$124,550
10	$65,825	$131,650
11	$69,400	$138,800
12	$72,950	$145,900

Sources of Income

As part of the process, Fox Cities Habitat evaluates an applicant’s last two years of household income and debt. Applicants must be comfortable with a monthly mortgage payment set at 25% of their gross monthly income, and have enough income through stable employment, or other forms of permanent income to afford a home and all basic living expenses.

All income sources are included that are expected to last for three years or longer. Income includes all wages, unemployment (only if related to seasonal employment), social security, pension and/or disability. Income can also include child support, kinship care and other types of income received on a regular basis. Self-employment income is defined as the net profit.

Improving Debt and Credit

An applicant’s credit history does not need to be perfect. In fact, many applicants have some debt. It is important to know how much is owed and for the total amount of debt to be manageable. It is recommended that applicants obtain a free copy of their credit report to ensure all credit is reported accurately.

All collection debt must be paid in full. Judgments for money must be satisfied. Visit Wisconsin Circuit Court Access to view public records. Bankruptcy or foreclosure must have been satisfied for at least 12 months.

Willingness to Partner

Applicants must be willing to work in partnership with Fox Cities Habitat’s team and maintain a positive and active involvement in the Homebuyer Sweat Equity program. Accommodations for health and employment concerns will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants must be willing to complete 200 to 400 hours of sweat equity by:

Working at a construction site

Attending classes and workshops

Volunteering at the Appleton ReStore

Participating in Fox Cities Habitat or Appleton ReStore events

Additional Applicant Requirements

Divorce proceedings must be finalized.
Applicants must provide valid documentation of Permanent Residency or Citizenship.
Applicants must clear a criminal background check. Any conviction(s) which are recent and/or severe in nature will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
All adults living in the household who are not applying for the mortgage are still required to complete a supplemental application. Their income will be included in the total household income calculation, but it will not be used to determine loan qualification.

Wisconsin is a marital property state and Fox Cities Habitat
requires married couples to apply jointly.
All adult (over 18) household members must sign a general release
for a background check and other verification.
Fox Cities Habitat is unable to serve applicants if any household
member is a registered sex offender.

Already Own but Need Help with Repairs?

If you’re concerned your existing home has your family living in an unsafe environment, Fox Cities Habitat offers a Home Repair Program.

Designed to address issues such as lead paint or mold removal, leaky roof repair, bad plumbing, faulty wiring, or emerging hazards that potentially compromise safety, Fox Cities Habitat can help.

Let’s Talk

Our Family Services staff can work with you to provide appropriate resources. For more information, questions and help, email FamilyServices@foxcitieshabitat.org or call at (920) 967-8898.