Homeownership Program applications are now open.

Applications are open: August 31-September 20, 2026

Must be submitted by September 20, 2026 

Applications for the Homeownership Program are available online and at our office. Program requirements, details, & information are listed below.

Apply Online:

Complete the application, upload the required documentation, sign, and submit your application all online! 

Click Here for the Online Application

Homeownership Program:

September 2026 Program Application Information

Phase 1: August 31-September 20, 2026

Must be submitted by September 20, 2026

Program Requirements

1. General Program Requirements

• Live or work in Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity’s four county service area (Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, Wright) for at least one year before applying.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Pass criminal background and sex offender registry checks.
• Meet the following financial stability requirements:
  • No outstanding judgments because of a court order against you.
  • No bankruptcy declared in the last seven years.
  • No property foreclosure in the last seven years.
  • Monthly debt obligations must be no more than 13% of your income.
• Must not currently own a house or land. If you have owned a house or land in the past, we may require additional information.
• Debt to income ratio must be 43% or less.

2. September 2026 Application Requirements

• Meet requirements based on household size

• Demonstrate stable employment by having at least one year with current employer and two years of continuous employment if full-time, or two years with current employer or business if part-time or self-employed.
• Savings
  • $2000 in savings is required at the time of application.
  • A total of $4000 in savings will be required if all requirements of the Homeownership Program are met and later approved for a mortgage loan.
• Must have a minimum credit score of 600. If there is no credit, alternative credit documentation will be used. 
• Education will include:
  • Complete HomeStretch Workshop.
  • Attend Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity Education Classes.
• There is no sweat equity requirement for this application period.
• Liquid assets must be less than $50,000.

Homeownership Program Details

If an applicant completes the Homeownership Program and is later approved for a mortgage loan.

• Mortgage loans will have an interest rate and APR.
• Mortgage loans will be originated by Habitat for Humanity of Iowa, and a 2^ndmortgage may be originated by Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota. Applicants will need to work with CMHFH and these partner organizations, including responding in a timely manner to provide requested documents and information.
• If all requirements of the Homeownership Program are completed and an applicant is later approved for a mortgage loan, the buyer will be purchasing a house on the open market, not a Habitat built property.
• Properties must be located in Benton or Stearns county.

What is the Application Process?

• Application: Phase 1: August 31-September 20, 2026
  • All Phase 1 applicants will either be invited to Phase 2 or notified that your program application has been denied.
• Application: Phase 2
  • A second round of information will be collected from applicants who were invited to this phase. All Phase 2 applicants will either be invited to join the Homeownership Program and partner with CMHFH or be notified that your program application has been denied.
• Partnership: Phase 3
  • Partner households complete their Homeownership Program requirements and are “purchase ready,” at which time they begin looking for homes with a realtor.
• Partnership: Phase 4
  • Partner households sign a purchase agreement and begin the mortgage loan process.
• Homeowner: Phase 5
  • Partner households approved for a mortgage loan complete the loan requirements, attend closing, and purchase a house.

Questions?

If after looking at the application, you have questions, you can contact us:

• Email: applications@cmhfh.org
• Phone: 320-248-7812.
• Schedule a phone appointment using our Calendly scheduling link: https://calendly.com/jsauer-cmhfh/phone-call-meeting.

If we can’t answer your questions by email or in a phone conversation, we will schedule an appointment to meet with you. We will not be able to meet with you if you do not have an appointment.

Application Preview

This is not the program application! The document below is an example of the Homeownership Program application and is provided to help applicants prepare. It is intended to give you an idea of the information and documentation you will need when completing the actual application. 

Homeownership Program September 2026 Application.Phase 1-Sample