1. Homeownership 

Must be a first-time homebuyer or have not owned a home in the last 3 years.  

2. Willingness to Partner 

Homebuyers participate in the construction of their home by completing 200 hours of sweat equity. Hours can also be completed by attending required classes, volunteering at our ReStores or by volunteering in your community. 

3. Need

We partner with households that make between 35%- 80% of the Area Median Income for the Portland Metro Area.

4. Ability to Pay 

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to repay an affordable mortgage. We verify income, work history and credit during the application process. Applicants must have a minimum verifiable combined gross income of $37,500 and 2 years of work history for any employment income. Habitat does not have a minimum credit score requirement, but we do take into consideration your credit history and current debt.  

5. Ability to Save/Meet Lending Requirements

Our lenders require that buyers have a minimum amount of savings at the time of application, and these are often called reserves. If an applicant has less than the minimum amount saved, they must demonstrate that they have the ability to save for reserves and closings costs which can be between $6,000 and $8,000. 

Credit Score: Credit score must meet lending requirements at the time of application. 

Application Fee: To offset the rising costs of credit reports, we will now be charging a $30 application fee. To submit a completed application this fee must be paid by the last day of the application round. We will accept Visa, Mastercard, cash, money order, or check.  

Please contact homeownership@habitatportlandregion.org for additional information regarding our financial qualifications. Habitat cannot determine program eligibility prior to the submission of a completed application.