An applicant must have stable, verifiable employment and/or long-term stable benefits. Applicants must have uninterrupted employment for at least one year. 

Credit: We review credit reports for indications of homebuyer readiness, however applicants must meet the following credit guideline

1. Have a minimum credit score of 600**
2. Have no open judgments or liens at the time of application
3. Bankruptcies must be discharged for 2 or more years
4. Reasonable ratio of monthly debt payments to monthly income

**Other relevant positive payment history will be considered in the absence of traditional credit usage.

Individuals and families must be in need of better living conditions. This includes living in overcrowded or deteriorating conditions, living with family or friends, or paying too much to rent a sub-standard house or apartment.

Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake is an equal opportunity housing provider.  Habitat considers applicants without regard to race, religious preference, sex, gender, handicap, familial status or national origin.

To solidify the concept of partnership, homebuyers are required to invest “sweat equity” volunteer hours when purchasing a Habitat Chesapeake home. An individual homebuyer must complete 250 hours of sweat equity, 200 hours of volunteer service and 50 hours of homebuyer education. A two-adult household when applying as co-applicants, must complete 350 hours of sweat equity, 300 hours of volunteer service and 50 hours of homebuyer education.

In this partnership, Habitat Chesapeake works with each partner family to ensure they maintain the credit and financial standing necessary to purchase their Habitat Chesapeake home, and the ability and commitment to make timely monthly mortgage payments on their affordable home.