Habitat for Humanity of Orange County's homeownership program is an approximately 18-month long process. Throughout the process homebuyers complete 275 hours of sweat equity through working on the construction site, volunteering at a Restore, and by completing educational workshops designed to set them up for success both financially and as a member of a new community. Once they have comepleted the program, homebuyers apply for a no to low interest mortgage through Habitat. This mortgage lasts on average for 30 years and we guarntee that for at least the first year your mortgage payments will be no more than 30% of your monthly income.
If you are intersted in applying for the homeownership program please click the button below to find out more about applications.
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County’s Home Preservation serves low-income homeowners who struggle to maintain the interior and exterior of their homes. The program is designed to help preserve affordable homeownership and assist homeowners to live in healthy, safe and accessible homes. Types of repairs include: Critical repairs (roof, HVAC, plumbing), accessibility modifications (wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and handrails), interior and exterior work (porch or deck, painting, patching, minor repairs).
*Plans may vary slightly due to other factors, but this is our base model*
*Plans may vary slightly due to other factors, but this is our base model*
Michelle’s job as a Bridal Consultant at Bed Bath & Beyond has been more fun since she was approved for her Habitat home in the Crescent Magnolia neighborhood, as she is now able to take some of her own advice.
“I love helping couples have fun and decide what they should put on their registry and how to set up a home,” said Michelle. “I’ve been getting better at space-saving ideas, as I am preparing to downsize myself.”
Michelle currently lives in a second-floor apartment unit that has been undergoing costly updates, which is causing her rent to increase unexpectedly and at an unaffordable rate. Not only is she excited to move into her own single-story affordable home, but she’s also excited to be part of a senior community from the ground up.
“Senior housing is a challenge, with many places in the area having 5-10 year long waiting lists. With Habitat, I’ve already met so many of my future neighbors. I know we’ll be a community who will not only do things together around Hillsborough, but check on each other which is really special.”
Since 2008, Habitat has built green-certified homes. Habitat incorporates green building into site design and development, resource efficiency, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and homeowner education.
Each new home built by Habitat is evaluated by a third-party inspector, Southern Energy Management, to ensure it meets Advanced Energy's SystemVision program standards and Home Innovation Research Labs criteria so that each home can earn a Home Innovation NGBS Green Certification.
