Stepping into a better tomorrow.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a homeowner!
Our homeownership program empowers working individuals and families to build and buy their own homes. We partner with our future homeowners every step of the way, and provide the education and support needed to become successful homeowners.
Ready To Apply?
Click the “Begin Orientation” button below, the form will open in a new window, and you will be led through our homeownership orientation. It is important that you read each page carefully and acknowledge that you understand the content of each page. The orientation should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. After you complete the orientation, you will receive an email directing you to the Homeowner Interest Form. Make sure to fill out all the required information and pay the non-refundable $6.30 Credit Report Fee ($12.60 for joint applicants). Our team will respond to you within a week of submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Owning a home is one of the biggest responsibilities in a person’s life, and there are always many questions and concerns regarding home ownership. Each question is important, and part of the Habitat for Humanity program is to make sure we provide the answers to those questions, so that our applicants and homeowners are well-informed.
- View our Homeownership Orientation
- Fill out & submit the Homeownership Interest Form
- Submit the Credit Report fee – $6.30 per applicant.
- We will be in touch with you after receipt of both the completed Homeownership Interest form & the Credit Report fee.
Please call 352-351-4663 and ask to speak to Tori our Family Services Director tarens@habitatocala.org
No – Habitat for Humanity is a “Hand-Up NOT a Hand-Out.
Families who are in need of decent, affordable housing apply locally to Habitat for Humanity for homeownership. Their ability to repay an affordable mortgage or small loan, as well as their level of housing need and willingness to partner with Habitat, are among the selection criteria for becoming a Habitat homeowner.
HFHMC builds homes and serves families and individuals in Marion County. We work in good faith with people who have a need for safe, affordable housing, have an ability to pay an affordable mortgage and who have a willingness to partner with us in the construction of their home. Family Partners are required to invest 350 hours of “sweat equity” – time spent on the build site, Homeowner Education, Habitat events, and our ReStore’s.
You should receive a response within one week of receipt.
Credit history is important, and each case is reviewed on an individual basis.
We accept individuals and families living in Marion County.
We build in the City of Ocala, Silver Springs Shores, Marion Oaks, and Dunnellon.
Once approved for the homeownership program, Habitat will refer you to a partner lender at the appropriate time and walk with you throughout the journey to homeownership.
Habitat partner families can sell their home at any time. However, all Habitat for Humanity of Marion County homes are built on property owned by Habitat for Humanity Community Land Trust. The trust will own the land and the homeowner will own the house and improvements (similar to a condominium). At closing, homeowner will sign a 99-year lease for the land and pay a $35 monthly ground lease fee to the Community Land Trust. If the homeowner decides to sell the property in the future, the Community Land Trust has first right of refusal to purchase the home. The purchase price will be based on a formula in the lease to determine the net equity earned while the homeowners owned the house.
No – Habitat for Humanity of Marion County provides the land. The land is part of the Community Land Trust as stated from the above paragraph.
It can take 12-18 months from first application to the close on your new home.
Family Partner Stories
Check out our #FamilyPartner stories and see how Habitat for Humanity of Marion County is changing lives!
Family Partner Story: The Stewart Family The Stewart Family’s path to homeownership with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County has been one of optimism, gratitude, and community support. From the moment they joined the program, they were embraced with warmth and encouragement, setting the stage for a truly positive experience. […]
How would you describe or picture what your new home will look like after you and your family move in? The home itself will look and feel like a BREATH-OF-RELIEF! My son will find his favorite spots around the house to play or read books. Laundry will never be a two-hour trip, just another chore […]