Family Selection
Current Openings
We have no openings for Habitat homes at this time.
Check this page for future opportunities.
Financial Guidelines
- Family must meet the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) yearly Regional Income Limits adjusted for family size and county.
2007 Regional Income Limits — Morris County 2 People 3 People 4 People 5 People 6 People Low $32,863 $36,971 $41,079 $44,365 $47,651 Very Low $19,718 $22,182 $24,647 $26,619 $28,591 2007 Regional Income Limits — Sussex County 2 People 3 People 4 People 5 People 6 People Low $29,622 $33,325 $37,028 $39,990 $42,952 Very Low $17,773 $19,995 $22,217 $23,994 $25,771 - To qualify for low-income housing, income of the applicant(s) must be at least $25,000, and total household income (from all sources) must fall below the maximum guideline for household size and county.
- Family must be able to afford payment of utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance expenses and the repayment of the interest-free mortgage as well as other current debt the applicant may have.
- Family must be unable to obtain a regular bank mortgage or qualify for other available housing programs.
- Current rent is more than fifty (50%) percent of total household monthly income.
Current Housing is Inadequate
- Current shelter has a problem not resolvable with the heating system, water supply, electricity, bathroom(s), kitchen structure, etc.
- Current shelter has an inadequate number of bedrooms as determined by number, ages, and sex of household members.
- The current neighborhood is unsuitable (unsafe or unsanitary).
- Current shelter is temporary (living with friends, relatives).
Willingness to Partner
Applicant must be willing to accept these responsibilities:
- Disclosure of personal financial situation, including employment history, household income and current debt burden.
- Completion of Habitat Application for a Home (available when builds are planned).
- “Sweat Equity” contributions in the amount of three hundred (300) hours on their home and other Habitat projects.
- Payment of mortgage and initial down payment.
- Payment of property taxes and insurance in addition to mortgage payments.
- Certificates showing attendance and participation in pre-purchase and post-purchase home buyer education classes as well as the Individual Development Account (IDA) Program or First Home Club Program. Call Housing Partnership for Morris County, 973.659.9222, to get their Home Buyer Education schedule.
- If applicable, a willingness to participate in a condominium association.
- Willingness to grant Morris Habitat the first option to buy back the house.
Legal Status
- You must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
- You can purchase with a significant other, but his or her income is included on the application and both will be named on the ownership documents and the note.
Cost
Habitat houses are affordable for low-income families because there is no profit included in the sale price and no interest charged on the mortgage. Mortgage length is for 20 to 30 years (depending on the financial situation of the selected family). The approximate price range of our homes will be between $80,000 and $100,000. A monthly payment for a mortgage (including taxes and insurance) on $80,000 is approximately $500 and on $100,000 is $550.00.
There is also a deed restriction on the Habitat homes. This means that controls are placed on the homes so that they will remain affordable for 30 years. If you want to resell, you must notify Morris Habitat in writing to have a selling price set for you. The price set for you is based on the COAH’s maximum increases that are set annually. We will select a new homeowner based on income eligibility and ability to secure a mortgage.
Application Process
You can get an application from the following sources:
- Morris Habitat office, 102 Iron Mountain Rd., Suite H, Mine Hill, NJ 07803.
- Housing Authorities in Morristown, Morris County, Boonton, Madison, and Dover.
- Many social service agencies, congregations, and municipalities.
An in-depth interview of the applicant household will be conducted by the Homeowner Relations Team. The process will include income verification, a credit check, and personal visits and interviews by team members.
Non-Discrimination Statement
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.