NOTE: The homeownership program selection period is currently closed. If you are interested in applying, please either check back often on our website at berkeleyhabitat.org, or follow us on our social media accounts (links on our website) where we will be announcing our next homeownership program selection period as soon as it becomes available.


Homeownership Program Selection Process


Step 1: Self-Assessment


The Self-Assessment is a tool that we provide year-round to allow prospective applicants to determine whether they currently meet the initial eligibility requirements for the Berkeley Habitat homeownership program IF the homeowner selection period were open today. Check back often to our website and social media for the next homeowner selection period announcement when it becomes available!



Complete the Online Self Assessment Now

NOTE: The Self-Assessment is NOT and application for the homeownership program.



Step 2: Housing Need & Willingness to Partner Assessment


The Housing Need & Willingness to Partner Assessment is a short form that determines the level of an applicant's need for housing & assesses their willingness to partner with Berkeley Habitat to complete ALL homeownership  program requirements.


Step 3: Sign Up to Attend a Homeownership Orientation Meeting.


The Homeownership Program Orientation Meeting covers all you will need to know about the Berkeley Habitat homeownership program, including:

  • Selection process and timeline.
  • Program requirements and expectations.
  • Brief overview of Berkeley Habitat’s mission to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
  • Next/Final steps of the selection process.


  • Immediately following the orientation meeting, attendees with continued interest in the homeownership program will be provided with the “Ability to Pay Assessment”, along with a list of required supporting documents.

Step 4: Complete and Submit Your Ability to Pay Assessment and Requested ID. 


Submit your Ability to Pay Assessment and copies of requested IDs. An in-person interview will be scheduled with you pending a soft credit pull/review.

Note:


  • All selected program participants are pre-qualified for a home loan while participating in the homeownership program.
  • Qualifying for a Habitat home loan is contingent upon the successful completion of all Habitat homeownership program requirements.
  • The Homeownership Program Selection Process takes a total of about 3 months on average to complete. 
  • Expect the total time from the beginning of the homeownership program to house completion to be 12-18 months. 
  • Each home build takes about 6-9 months on average once construction begins. 
  • Most builds are completed one-at-a-time.
  • All program participants are responsible for working on the current construction project already in progress until their home construction begins. 
  • Habitat for Humanity does not provide immediate housing.
  • All program participants are responsible for their own housing during the duration of the program.