What We Do
Own a Home
Everyone deserves a safe and healthy place to call home. Embrace the pride and fulfillment that comes with owning your own home, and enjoy the countless rewards it brings to your life and your future.
First-Time Home Buyer Program
Our Habitat Berks First-Time Home Buyer Program offers the opportunity to own a fully-renovated or new home to individuals and families who may not qualify for a home of like condition through traditional mortgage through a bank or other funding source. During the 12-14 month program, potential home buyers take up to 45 hours of financial education courses and complete 200 hours of “sweat equity.”
Primer Programa de Comprador de Vivienda
Nuestro programa Habitat Berks First-Time Home Buyer, ofrece la oportunidad de ser dueño de una casa totalmente renovada o una nueva casa; para aquellos individuos y familias quienes no cualifiquen para una casa atravez de un prestamo de casa tradicional atravez de un banco u otro fondo de recursos. Durante el programa de los 12-24 meses los potenciales compradores del hogar tienen que tomar un curso de 45 horas de educación financiera y completar 200 horas de “sweat equity”
PROGRAM QUALIFICATIONS
Now accepting applications for first-time homeowners for our homes in Reading!
Program Qualifications
To purchase a home through Habitat for Humanity of Berks County, individuals and families must:
- Have lived in Berks County for at least one year
- Not currently own a home
- Submit documentation of US citizenship or legal residency
- Be willing to partner with Habitat Berks in completing 200 hours of sweat equity
- Submit proof of income
- Demonstrate a need for an affordable home (such as unsafe living conditions, overcrowding, high cost of rent, etc.)
- Fall within certain income guidelines* (see table below)
Requistos del Programa
Para comprar una prodiedad de Habitat Berks, individuos y familias deben
- Haber vivido en el Condado de Berks por la menos un ano
- Ser por primera vez compradores de casa
- Estar en el pais legalmente
- Estar dispuestos a asociarse con Habitat Berks para completer 200 horas de laborer
- Comprobante de ingresos
- Demonstrar le nescesidad de una casa aasequible (como: inseguras, consiciones de visa, hacinamiento, alto costo de alquiler, etc.)
- Ester dentro de ciertas pautas de ingresos*
*Ingresos, man itencion de los hijos, discapacidad, seguridad social, pension y otros beneficios se incluyen en el calcula de ingresos brutos
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Employment income, child support, disability, Social Security, pension, alimony and other benefits are included in calculating gross income.
- Typically, families in the 60%-80% income ranges are successful in completing the program.
INFORMACIÓN ADICIONAL
- Ingresos, man itencion de los hijos, discapacidad, seguridad social, pension y otros beneficios se incluyen en el calcula de ingresos brutos
- Por lo general, les familias con un rango de ingresos del 60%-80% tienen exito al completar el programa.
FAQs
What is Habitat for Humanity of Berks County?
Habitat for Humanity of Berks County is a nonprofit organization focused on providing moderate-income families with a decent, safe, and affordable place to live.
Does Habitat give away homes?
No, Habitat homeowners purchase their homes at market value. In addition, families and individuals provide 200 hours of sweat equity, which includes up to 50 hours of classroom education. At the end of a 12 to 14 month period, the family signs a 30-year affordable mortgage.
Can Habitat for Humanity of Berks County fix my existing home?
Critical repair of currently owned homes is not in the scope of our current work. Contact 211 for help finding an appropriate organization.
What are the criteria for becoming a Habitat Berks homeowner?
Review the guideline on the “Own a Home” page.
How are the families and individuals selected?
Families and individuals complete an extensive application and are selected based on income, willingness to partner with Habitat, and need. Selections are determined by a volunteer-run family selection committee.
What happens when I’m picked for the Habitat program?
You will be notified by both phone and letter and asked to schedule an orientation session with the Director of Family Services.
When can I start my sweat equity hours?
You may begin your 200 sweat equity hours as soon as you are notified that you’ve been accepted into the program. Hours are scheduled through the Director of Family Services.
How long does the process take?
The entire process from application to house dedication typically takes between 18 and 24 months, but much of the timing depends on the completeness of the initial application is and how quickly the homeowner completes their sweat equity hours.
How much do the houses cost?
Habitat Berks homes are sold at market value and are purchased through low-interest, 30-year mortgages. Mortgage payments vary depending on the size of the house and will also be affected by the cost of real estate taxes and homeowners insurance. With rare exceptions, we are able to place our homeowners into homes that cost less than or equal to the amount they are paying in rent.
Who can volunteer with Habitat Berks?
Habitat Berks welcomes individuals and groups to work at our ReStore, on our construction sites, or in the office. Our greatest need for volunteers is always at our ReStore. You must be at least 18 to volunteer on a construction site. We welcome individuals as young as 16 to volunteer at our ReStore.
How long does the process take?
The entire process from application to house dedication typically takes between 18 and 24 months, but much of the timing depends on the completeness of the initial application is and how quickly the homeowner completes their sweat equity hours.
Spotlight Families
We look forward to sharing news of the future dedications on Miltimore Street!