Affordable Home Ownership

Home Ownership Program & Resources

Since 2006 Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County has developed and sold newly constructed and rehabilitated homes to qualified families and individuals who live or work in Wicomico County, Maryland and earn between 30% and 80% of the area median income as determined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Program Overview

Unlock the Door to Your Future with Our Homeownership Program

At Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County, we’re not just building houses—we’re crafting homes and futures for families dreaming of homeownership. With the support of our community, we offer a path to affordable home ownership that goes beyond bricks and mortar.

Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County homebuyers purchase homes with affordable mortgages structured to stabilize housing prices in the areas, and they pay taxes and insurance on the full value of their homes.

How It Works.

Our program harnesses donations, volunteer efforts, and a commitment to partnership with families ready to put in the work for their future home. Approved applicants embark on a journey filled with financial education, hands-on building experience, and the fulfillment of 'sweat equity'. Partner families purchase their home with terms that make the monthly mortgage payment affordable. (payment does not exceed 30% of total household gross income).

Who We Serve.

We're dedicated to assisting families living in substandard or costly housing situations, striving to make the dream of homeownership accessible to those in Wicomico County. Our selection criteria focus on need, the ability to pay, and a willingness to partner with Habitat in a meaningful way.

Get Started.

Ready to lay the foundation for your family's future? Learn more about our application process, by attending one of our homeowner information sessions. Our doors are open to anyone aspiring to improve their living situation and willing to join hands with us in this transformative journey.

Steps to Apply for a Habitat Home

Embark on Your Journey to Homeownership.

Owning a home is a dream for many, and Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County is here to make that dream possible for families in need of affordable housing. Follow these steps to start your path towards owning a home with Habitat.

Step One

Attend a Homeowner Information Session

The first step of the Habitat of Humanity of Wicomico County Home Ownership Program is to attend one of our upcoming information sessions.

Choose an upcoming information session by clicking one of the dates on this page under Upcoming Information Sessions.

Join us to learn more about this program, credit and financial criteria and get answers to some frequently asked questions.

Homeowner Information sessions are held on the last Wednesday of each month at 5:00 pm and lasts approximately 1 hour.

Upcoming Information Sessions

There are no upcoming events.

Step Two

Pre-Application Questionnaire & Documentation

The second step is to complete the Pre-Application Questionnaire, gather the documents required and mail or drop off all items to our office, located at 105 N. Dulany Ave. in Fruitland.

Pre-Application Questionnaire’s are accepted on an on-going basis.

We provide affordable homeownership to families that otherwise would not qualify for a conventional mortgage due to their income. Anybody is welcome to apply

Download and complete the Pre-Application: Questionnaire “here”. Fill it out completely and clearly.
Gather the documents listed on page 6 of the pre-application questionnaire.
Mail or drop off your application package: Once you have ALL your documents, mail or drop off to our office located at 105 N. Dulany Ave., Fruitland, MD 21826
Within 30 days of submission, your pre-application questionnaire will be reviewed by program staff.
Families who meet our pre-qualification requirements: Families are scheduled for an application appointment where the homeownership program is discussed in detail and the family completes the HFHWC homeownership program application.
If your pre-application is denied, you will receive a notification and resources for organizations and programs that can help you become homeowner ready.

Step Three

Submit Application & Schedule Meeting

You will be contacted within 30 days of receipt of your pre-application package: Families who meet our pre-qualification requirements are scheduled for an application appointment. Once the pre-application appointment is conducted, a home visit may be scheduled.
Note: A non-refundable credit report fee of $90.00 per applicant must be provided with your pre-application package.

Download the Pre-Application Questionnaire Today

Credit Report Fee A One-time non-refundable credit report fee is due with your pre-application questionnaire and other required documents. Check or money orders only. WE are unable to accept cash or credit/debit cards. If your checks is returned to us for insufficient funds, your application will be denied.

Important: Mail or Drop off ALL pieces of your Pre-Application package together.

Make copies of any documents listed. We can make copies of your documents free of charge if needed. Make copies of any of the documents listed below that apply to your situation: Federal Income tax returns (form 1040) for the past two years you filed, Current pay stubs (last two pay periods), Current bank statements (checking and savings), Current benefit statements (SSI, SSDI, Food Share, Section 8 Housing, etc…), Child support court order and payment history for the past two years, Name, address and Phone number of your current landlord, Proof of residency and eligibility to work in the U.S. Providing a fully completed pre-application questionnaire AND the required documents will help facilitate the application process. Incomplete packages may be returned

Here's what to bring with you to your scheduled appointment:

Social Security Card
Current Driver’s license or ID Card
Proof of residency for Applicant and Co-Applicant (HFHWC applicants must be either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident)

- __Birth Certificate, US Passport or Certificate of Citizenship.
- __Permanent Resident Card (green card) of Form I-551

If renting, provide a copy of your rental lease agreement
If you own your home and have a mortgage, provide a current mortgage statement
Proof of income for ALL members of your household over 18 years of age:
- Last two (2) pay stubs for Applicant, Co-Applicant, or any other household member over 18
Documents showing the amounts for each household member who receives:
- __Alimony
- __Child Support (if used as a source of income on your application)
- __AFDC/TANF
- __Food Stamps
- __Proof of any other income
Proof of assets:
- Last two (2) months of bank statements including checking and/or savings accounts
- Other
Debts and other monthly payments:
- Statements from credit/loan accounts
One time credit report fee (non-refundable)
- $90.00 for each applicant paid by check or money order. We are unable to accept credit or debit card payments at this time. Cash will not be accepted.

NOTE: If your check is returned to us for insufficient funds, your application will be denied.

The Selection Process

Habitat for Humanity does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, handicap, religion, marital status, or income source. We’re dedicated to providing affordable housing solutions to those who are willing to partner with us in building a better future.

Moving Forward to Next Steps

Within 30 days of submitting your pre-application questionnaire, a homeowner program staff member will review and verify the following:
- Your ability to pay an affordable mortgage, based on income and credit history.
- Confirm that your income is within HFHWC’s income guidelines,
- Request your credit report to confirm that you have delinquent debt less than $3,000.
- Confirm that the names of all members in your household 18 years old or older do not appear on state and national sex offender registries.
- Families who meet our pre-qualification requirements are scheduled for an application appointment where the homeownership program is discussed in detail and the family completes the HFHWC homeownership program application.
- Once the application appointment is conducted, a home visit may be scheduled.
- The application is presented to the Family Selection and Support Committee who will make a recommendation to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors determine which application(s) are selected for partnership.

Qualifying for this program

Residency Verification Requirements

Residency Verification

All applicants must provide documentation of residency and eligibility to work in the U.S.

One of the following documents will be accepted as proof of residency and eligibility:

Current State Issued ID or US Passport
Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Geen Card)

If one of the above cannot be furnished, one document from each of these categories will be required.

Category 1

Driver’s License
Federal, State, or Local Government ID Card
Voter’s Registration Card
School ID card with a photograph
Native American tribal document
U.S. Military identification card/ Military Dependents ID card
U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card

Category 2

Social Security Card
U.S. Birth Certificate
Certification of Birth Abroad (Form FS-545)
US Citizen ID Card (Form I-197)
Resident Citizen ID Card (Form I-179)
Unexpired Employment Authorization by Dept. of Homeland Security
Native American tribal document
Certification of Report of Birth (Form DS-1350)

Income Eligibility

Income Guidelines for this Program

All family members’ income is included in the calculation of a family’s total gross income. Income from all wages, SSI, SSDI, housing assistance, retirement, alimony, VA benefits, child support, etc are included.

The minimum total household gross income is $40,000/year.

# of People in Household	Minimum*	Maximum*
1	$35,000	$39,360
2	$35,000	$45,000
3	$35,000	$50,580
4	$35,000	$56,220
5	$35,000	$60,720
6	$35,000	$65,220
7	$35,000	$69,720
8	$37,110	$74,220

*Income levels are set annually by US Department of Housing & Urban Development and are 30-60% of the median income. (Note: Minimum income limits have been adjusted to reflect the income required to afford the mortgage payment for the house size required for the family size.) In some cases, income up to 80% of the median income is acceptable.

*FY 2024 income limits summary–HUD

Ability to Pay

Determining the ability to pay is based on the analysis of application materials, including pay stubs, benefit statements, tax returns, and credit reports. Applicants need a steady income and must demonstrate financial responsibility, including the ability to afford monthly housing payments and utilities within specific income percentages. They should not have filed for bankruptcy in the last two years or have unresolved debts that could impact the completion of the home build.

Applicants Must Have:

a steady, reliable source of income and demonstrate financial responsibility.
paid rent on-time for the previous consecutive 12 months.
the ability to pay a monthly house payment at approximately 30% of gross monthly income (taxes and insurance included).
the ability to pay projected monthly utilities (electric/gas & water/sewer).
NOT filed for bankruptcy within the past 2 years.
NO outstanding collections, liens or judgments that cannot reasonably be paid by the completion of the home build.

Some helpful questions to ask yourself to see if you are qualified:

Do you have a minimum household gross income of $40,000?
Have you had a stable job or source of income for the previous 12 months?
Have you paid your rent on-time for the previous 12 months?
Do you have workable credit? Few credit problems, no major outstanding debts, with no unpaid/outstanding judgments or liens.

Willingness to Partner

A Partner Family Must Be Willing to Complete "Sweat-Equity" Hours.

“Sweat-equity” is when a partner family takes part in building their own home and other Habitat homes and may include activities such as clearing the lot, painting, helping with construction, working in the Habitat office, or other approved activities.

"Sweat-Equity" Requirements for a Partner Family:

Household is required to perform a minimum of 200 sweat equity hours.
A portion of the sweat equity hours can be completed by family and friends.
All of the hours must be completed before the partner family can purchase the home.

In addition, the partner family must also be willing to complete financial education class requirements and a first time homebuyer education class.

Meet the Families & Hear How these Programs Transformed their Lives

Every home has a story, and every story is a cornerstone of our community. Discover the heartwarming journeys of families whose lives have been transformed through Habitat for Humanity’s home building and repairing efforts.

Home Ownership Program

Meet Shakira Henderson: A Wicomico Habitat Homeowner for Over 13 Years

Shakira Henderson Enjoys Homeownership

FEATURED

Meet Ms. Kia - Our next Habitat Homeowner

Kia’s rent was skyrocketing. Her rental home windows were moldy. Her refrigerator went out, leaving her to put her food in coolers for a week while her landlord waited to replace the appliance. Kia realized something had to change.

Home Ownership Program

Meet The Roberts Family

The Roberts family began their partnership with Wicomico Habitat in 2005. Their Habitat Home was a happy stepping stone in their lives. As their family and security grew, the Roberts sold their home back to Habitat in 2023 as they moved on to Kentucky, where they were called to lead a Christian School.

Critical Home Repair Program

Meet The Avila-Hernandez Family

The Avila-Hernandez family turned to Habitat for Humanity for support. Now, they have a home.

Home Ownership Program

Meet Marquita Bunting

Marquita Bunting was a single mother who came to our program for help. Now she owns a home.

Critical Home Repair Program

Meet The Petit Family

Salvanais Petit and his family escaped the political turmoil in Haiti and chose Salisbury to rebuild their lives. The Petits are grateful to be homeowners.