CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

RESIDENCY

You must have lived or worked in Berkshire County for at least the past year. 

NEED

You must not have owned a home in the past 3 years and currently be living in substandard, subsidized, or unaffordable housing. 

ABILITY TO PAY

You must be able to obtain a mortgage pre-approval from a third-party lender whose information can be provided by Habitat. Your total household income must also meet the income guidelines of the town in which you are interested in applying for homeownership. These Area Median Income ranges are configured by household size and will vary depending on the town – Pittsfield, Dalton, or Housatonic.   

If you are unable to qualify right away for a mortgage loan, Habitat is happy to work with you by guiding you through our free financial education classes and working with our financial coaches to prepare you for successful homeownership.   

WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER

One of the most beloved aspects of the Habitat homeownership journey is the opportunity to participate in building your own home. When you work with our Habitat Build & Repair Corps and volunteers, you will see how your home is built and learn tips and tricks on how to maintain all aspects of your home’s construction. Volunteers often share their experiences and valuable knowledge when working alongside our homeowners. The whole process will form the foundation of your homeownership journey.   

This program is called “partnership hours” and as a family, you will complete between 275 and 425 hours (depending on whether you are a single or dual head of household) of volunteering.  Part of those hours required is completing home buyer financial education classes that will set you up for success in securing a mortgage, improving your credit, and learning helpful info about inspections, insurance, and budgeting. Income and Asset restrictions apply.

To receive more information please complete the inquiry form or call our office at 413-442-3181 ext. 2.