You will be considered for a Habitat home if your present housing is not adequate, and if you are unable to obtain adequate housing through other conventional means.  Lack of adequate housing may include problems with the present structure; water, electrical or sewage service systems; heating system, or failure to meet city property maintenance standards.  Also taken into consideration are the number, the ages and the gender of children compared to the number of bedrooms in your present home.

The percentage of your monthly income that you currently spend on housing is considered to determine need.  You will be required to openly and fully discuss your financial situation with Habitat personnel.

You and your family will be considered if your annual total income is between 30-50% of the median income for Calvert and St. Mary's Counties.

How much does a new construction Habitat house cost?

A Habitat house costs approximately $150,000-$190,000 to build. 

How much are the monthly payments? 

The average monthly payment is between $650 and $750 depending on house style, location and length of the mortgage; this includes an escrow payment for taxes, termite bond and insurance, but does not include any utilities.

How does a Habitat mortgage work?

Habitat acts as a lender  for a 30 year low interest mortgage. The money that families pay back is channeled into the construction of more Habitat homes for other families.

Do I have to work to help in the construction of the house?

Yes. One of the most vital element of the Habitat ministry is the partnership between new homeowners and the local Habitat affiliate. The most important connection between families and Habitat is sweat equity. Sweat Equity refers to the actual hands-on participation of the partner families. Families are required to complete 250 hours of sweat equity before moving into their new home.

Do I need to know anything about construction?

No. Construction experience is not necessary. Habitat construction supervisors will teach you all that you need to know to complete building tasks. Partner families will attend a tool training before you start on site.

Can I start my sweat equity hours whenever I want?

No, we ask that you begin your sweat equity hours once you have been selected. However we do encourage that you come out and volunteer to see if the partnership would be something you could commit to.

How long does it take to get a Habitat house?

The length of time to get a house will vary. On average the family selection process takes 3-4 months and construction takes 6-8 months.

Where does Patuxent Habitat build?

Patuxent Habitat builds only in Calvert and St. Mary's counties at this time. You must be a resident of those counties for one year prior to your application. So you would have to be willing to live in the neighborhoods where we have property. 

Do you have to be Christian to become a Habitat homeowner?

Habitat for Humanity was founded and will always be a Christian ministry. However homeowners are selected without regard to creed, both in keeping with the requirements of the law and Habitat's belief that God's love extends to all regardless of race, religion, marital status, gender or nationality.

Do you have to have a job to become a Habitat Homeowner?

Habitat requires that you earn enough money to pay the mortgage payments. While some Habitat homeowners may receive public assistance, most have jobs. Habitat for Humanity works in good faith with people who are at risk financially, knowing that owning a home is not the answer to every problem, but can be an important step-often the first step-toward breaking the cycle of poverty.

Do you have to be a US citizen to become a Habitat homeowner?

You must be either a US citizen or permanent resident to qualify for a Habitat house.

What if I have a lot of debt?

Upon reception of your application we will make a detailed analysis. The biggest problem is what we call "bad" debt - which includes accounts in collections, charged off, or subject of a legal judgment. All of your bad debt must be paid off before you can actually buy a habitat house. You will also be referred to a credit counseling service so that you can get help in resolving debt and credit issues.

Can I qualify if I am handicapped?

Yes, we will make special arrangements by which you can satisfy Habitat's "Sweat Equity" requirements.