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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the family selection process?

It varies depending on the availability of homes.

Who selects the families?

The Family Selection Committee.

What can be included as income?

Reportable income, pensions, child support, social security, welfare, disability, alimony, food stamps, etc.

Will cash income be included?

Only if it can be documented.

Does being a stay-at-home mom count against you?

No, but there must be sufficient income for the house payment and other expenses.

Can one person qualify for a house?

Yes.

Can a relative help me qualify even if that relative won't be living there?

No.

Must a divorce be finalized before I can get a home?

Yes, property division should be final.

What if I'm not a legal resident?

You must be a legal resident. Special cases will be reviewed.

Will you let us know when you'll be coming for a home visit and the purpose of the visit?

Yes.

What are the ways I can do my sweat equity hours?

You may volunteer at any of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County's construction sites, at various orientation meetings, in the Habitat office, and at numerous special events.

If it's an existing home, how do I do my hours?

You may work at any of the other work sites or in the office or at special events.

What is the role of an alternate?

If one of the selected families drops out, an alternate will be selected for that home.

Can I pick my own house?

You may choose the area you would like to apply for, but not a specific house.

What happens if we're selected and we don't like the house/city?

You can opt to become an alternate.

Can we choose the number of rooms?

No.

Can we select the carpeting?

No, but sometimes the color.

Can we choose the paint colors?

No.

Will the home have handicapped access?

Not usually.

How big are the yards?

This would be specific to the homes offered at the time.

Do the homes have air conditioning?

No, but it may be added by the homeowner later.

Are appliances included?

Range and oven only.

Can I add on or remodel?

No.

After the mortgage has been paid in full, can we sell the house?

Yes, but there are restrictions to who it can be sold.

Prior to paying off the mortgage, can we sell the house?

Yes, the home may be sold. Habitat for Humanity will buy it from you using a formula that reflects the payments you have made and adjusts for cost of living changes (inflation).

Does the owner get the appreciation (equity) in the house?

Yes.

Can I leave the house to my heirs?

No, only the equity in the house.

Are there any income tax benefits?

There is no interest deduction, as Habitat for Humanity provides no-interest, principal-only loans. Property taxes paid are a deductible expense.

What if I miss a mortgage payment?

Under the terms of the note, you are in default, which can result in foreclosure. Habitat may consider a payment plan to catch up.

Will I still get my HUD subsidy?

If you become a homeowner with Habitat for Humanity, you will lose your housing subsidy funds.

Who can live in the house?

The number of persons living in the house cannot exceed reasonable occupancy. Should be "family" even if not related by blood or marriage.

Can I rent out a room?

No, CC&Rs do not allow you to rent a room.

Why do I need car insurance?

If you are in a car accident and do not have car insurance, you could be sued for damages. They could go after the equity in your home.

What does the homeowners' association fee cover?

Insurance on building, repairs for building, operating costs for common area (electricity, water, landscaping).

Who decides how much the homeowners' association fees are?

Initially based on a budget, submitted and approved by the California Department of Real Estate, reviewed annually for accuracy.

How much will the homeowners' association fees be?

They vary by property.

Will the homeowners' association fees change?

Yes, if the costs go up, dues go up. If dues are too high compared to the expenses and reserves they will come down.

Who is in the homeowners' association?

All homeowners for that property.

Will property taxes change?

The County determines property taxes and generally increase 1% to 2% each year. For projects in a Mello Roos area (Rancho Santa Margarita) they can go up more than in other areas.

Can I currently own a home? Or can I have owned a home in the past?

No, you may not currently own a home, but you may have owned one in the past.

How many homes are available?

Currently, there is an extreme shortage of sites for Habitat to build homes on. If you know of available land or a home that may be available for donation and rehabilitation, please e-mail the Habitat office.