Application Process

Click here to watch the recording of the Homeowner Information Meeting.

It is highly recommended (although not required) that you attend a Homeowner Information Meeting to learn more about Essex County Habitat’s Homeownership program. During this meeting you will:

• Receive information on how our Homeownership program works
• Learn more about the criteria that must be met to qualify for a Habitat home
• Learn about where we are building and where the selected families will be living for this application cycle
• Get answers to your questions about the Habitat program

Download and carefully read the Application Packet to understand the details of the process.

Download the Homeowner Application and completely fill it out. (for Spanish version click here)

Mail your application and required documents to:

Essex County Habitat for Humanity
Attn: Director of Affordable Housing Operations
14 Park Street
Danvers, MA 01923

You may also drop off your paperwork at the above address between 9am and 1pm Monday to Friday.

Or you can securely submit your application and required documents online to the folder in our secure Box account.

For a full list of documents to submit with your application, please see the Homeowner Application page. 

All forms need to be completed and submitted by the published deadline.  Essex County Habitat for Humanity reviews your application and calculates the applicant(s) income, applicant(s) debt, and conducts a credit check of everyone who will be on the mortgage. If you meet the guidelines and qualify, the applicant(s) will receive a phone call from a Family Selection Committee member to move to the next step.

What if I don’t qualify?

If applicants do not meet Essex County Habitat for Humanity financial and credit criteria and are not accepted into the program, you will receive a letter within 30 days with a description of the reason for the denial, who to contact to receive a free copy of their credit report, and a referral to a credit counseling service, if necessary.

Financially qualified applicants will be contacted either by the Director of Affordable Housing Operations or a Family Services Committee (FSC) member to schedule a home assessment visit. Two home assessment visits take place at the applicant(s) current permanent residence to assess their housing need and willingness to partner and take on the responsibilities of Essex County Habitat’s Homeownership program.

All applicants, including all members of the household, will be interviewed by two members of the Family Selection Committee during the home assessment visit. The approximately 30-minute interview provides an opportunity for an applicant and his/her family to explain:

• Their interest in Essex County Habitat for Humanity
• Their need for affordable housing
• Why they believe they should be selected as a Habitat homeowner

It also provides an additional opportunity for applicants to ask questions concerning the program, the application process, selection process, build process, and any other questions you may have.

1. The Essex County Habitat for Humanity Family Services Committee (FSC) reviews the application, documentation, and interview evaluations of the applicant(s) to ensure all requirements have been met.
2. The FSC presents the recommended families to the Board of Directors of Essex County Habitat for approval to become homeowners for the houses being built in the application cycle.
3. If there are more approved applicants than available properties during the application cycle, all approved applicants get entered and chosen through a publicly held lottery system. 

If you are chosen as a Future Habitat Homeowner, you will be notified by phone.

The start of the Habitat Partnership begins with signing a Partnership Agreement Letter (PAL). The PAL outlines the expectations for both selected partner families and for the affiliate. This does not mean that the applicant(s) OWNS the home. ALL requirements must be met, including, but not limited to:

• Maintaining good credit standing
• Completion of all Sweat Equity hours (240-360 hours helping to build your home).
• Completion of all mandatory classes including a First Time Homebuyers Course, Financial Literacy Course, and/or any other classes deemed necessary, before applicant(s) can close on the home.

Please note: Forty five (45) days prior to home closing, all financials, credit-worthiness and ability-to-pay will be re-evaluated.

Additionally, selected homeowners are required to:

• Pay closing costs estimated at $5,000.
• Participate in the management of a condominium association where applicable.
• Participate and support Habitat events and programs.