Lancaster Lebanon Habitat works in partnership with local families in need of a decent, affordable place to call home.
OUR PROGRAM
Habitat’s homeownership program offers a path to owning an affordable, decent home for first-time homebuyers in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. Future homebuyers and their families build strength, stability and self-sufficiency as they work through the program, prior to purchasing their Habitat home with a zero-percent interest mortgage tailored to fit their budget.
![](https://lancasterlebanonhabitat.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/EnidAllysonHD-1.jpg)
Income Eligibility
Applicants for homeownership must fall within our income guidelines (see chart below). Additionally, they must meet the qualifications that are also included further down on this page. For a complete list of required documents that will be needed at time of application, please click here.
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Homeownership through Habitat may be right for you if you are prepared to:
- Invest up to 400 hours of sweat equity into your Habitat home and the homes for other households.
- Participate with Habitat for the entire time it will take to build your home, including mentor partnerships and educational classes.
- Save money towards a 1 percent down payment for your home.
- Commit to a 20 to 30-year legal obligation of a mortgage and to make your monthly payments on time.
- Handle other legal responsibilities involved in owning a home, such as paying insurance and real estate taxes.
- Pay for all utilities, including electricity, gas, water/sewer and phone service.
- Assume responsibility for repair work on your home to prevent future problems.
- Maintain an emergency reserve of cash for unexpected repair work.
![](https://lancasterlebanonhabitat.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/KaberamanziHug-2-911x1024.jpg)
PRELIMINARY QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to pay:
- Must have sustainable income. This income may include earned income, public assistance, disability, SSI, SSDI, worker’s compensation, child support, alimony, retirement, pension, etc. Food stamps are not counted as income.
- Debt must not be excessive in proportion to monthly income.
- No liens or judgments.
- No back Child Support payments.
- Considered a first-time home buyer OR has not owned a home (single, duplex, mobile, etc.) in the last three years, unless through divorce or separation applicant is taken off of the original mortgage and note.
- Consistent payment history with rent.
- Ability to make 1 percent down payment and applicable closing costs.
- 3 years since Bankruptcies/Foreclosures.
- Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
- Must live or work in Lancaster or Lebanon County.
Need for Housing criteria:
- Overcrowded living conditions.
- Substandard living conditions. Poor physical condition of home.
- Paying more than 30% of monthly gross income for housing expenses.
- Denied a traditional mortgage.
- Unsafe community within 3 blocks.
- Have a need for handicapped accessibility.
- Currently living in public housing, or Sec 8.
Willingness to partner criteria:
- Returns application complete and on time.
- Returns phone calls promptly and has consistent communication with the Habitat office.
- Agrees to complete the required hours of sweat equity.
- Agrees to save toward 1% down payment.
- Agrees to attend homeowner workshops.
- Creates safe environment for neighbors.
- Applicant is not found as a listed sex or violent offender.