What is Skagit Habitat for Humanity’s Homebuyer Program?

Skagit Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, community, and hope! Our Homebuyer Program gives community members the chance to build and buy an affordable home of their own. At the end of the process, selected applicants will close on a mortgage and will pay no more than 33% of their monthly gross income on mortgage payments. With the current housing market out of reach for many families and individuals, Skagit Habitat’s Homebuyer Program presents a unique opportunity for low- to moderate-income families and individuals to achieve affordable homeownership.

What are the Homebuyer Program requirements?

colorful graphic that says: "Who Qualifies For the Anacortes Homebuyer Program Household size one to four people. No more than two children in a room. children of the opposite sex cannot share a bedroom. Residency Must Be a permanent legal resident. Need Currently live in substandard housing or paying 50% or more of income on rent. Must complete 150 hours of sweat equity labor volunteering for Skagit Habitat. Willingness to partner Credit and Debt-to-Income (DTI) Have a credit score of 620 or higher And a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or lower. 2 Year Work History Have a two-year record of income in the same job or career field. GROSS Household Income 1 Person 53K- 61K 2 Person 61K-70K 3 Person 69K- 79K 4 Person 76K- 87K"

There are three key requirements for selection into the Homebuyer Program: need, willingness to partner, and ability to pay a mortgage loan.

First, applicants must be able to qualify for a mortgage loan and thus meet specific income requirements. For this particular construction project in Anacortes, applicants’ gross annual income must be between 70% and 80% of the Area Median Income. For example, a family of three’s annual income should fall between $68,922 and $78,750. Next, applicants must demonstrate a need for housing. Finally, applicants must be willing to partner with Skagit Habitat, contributing 150 hours of sweat equity labor.

Please note that our Anacortes (Parkside Cottages) Homebuyer Program has more specific requirements that can be found here.

10 Reasons to Apply for Skagit Habitat for Humanity’s Homebuyer Program

1. Financial Stability

Imagine what opportunities could be unlocked if only one-third of your income went towards housing. For many families, this financial stability means they don’t have to stress about forgoing other essentials like medical care, food, and other necessities. With a permanently affordable mortgage, you’ll be able to invest in the things that truly matter to you and your family.

One of Skagit Habitat for Humanity's affordable duplex units in Anacortes. The home is two stories with grey paint and a concrete sidewalk path along the outside.

2. You’ll never have to worry about rent increases again

a family of a father and mother and their two sons stand in front of their new habitat for humanity home. They are smiling as they cut a red ribbon to their new home.

In the last five years, the rental prices in Skagit County have skyrocketed. Being a Habitat Homeowner means you’ll never have to worry about your rent increasing ever again. Once you close on your mortgage, your payments will always stay that amount regardless of whether your income increases. The Homebuyer Program gives families and individuals the peace of mind that they can sustainably pay their mortgage without worrying about rising costs.

3. You’ll gain skills and confidence that prepare you for homeownership

Through sweat equity and required classes, you’ll gain hands-on construction experience and learn about proper home maintenance, how the homebuying process works, and more. As part of the sweat equity requirement, you must contribute at least 50 of the 150 sweat equity hours to construction, so you’ll learn a lot about homebuilding and what it takes to build a home, preparing you for future home maintenance. Ultimately, you’ll enter homeownership prepared and confident.

a woman in a black t shirt stands in front of her new habitat for humanity home with a red ribbon in hand, smiling.

4. You’ll Gain a Community of Supporters Along the Way

April hugging a Kendal Court homebuyer at a home dedication ceremony

Through the Homebuyer Program, families gain more than just a house—they become part of a supportive community. Homebuyers work side by side with volunteers on the construction site and the Skagit Habitat Store, building connections as they invest sweat equity hours into their future home. This unique opportunity fosters a true sense of belonging and connection that lasts long after closing on an affordable mortgage.

Additionally, all future Homebuyers are paired with a dedicated Homebuyer Support Partner, ensuring they have guidance and encouragement throughout the homebuyer process. We understand buying a new home can be a brand new experience for some families, which is why Skagit Habitat is dedicated to supporting our future Homebuyers throughout their journey to affordable homeownership.

5. Live in Beautiful Anacortes

Skagit Valley from high above at sunset.

Skagit Habitat’s Parkside Cottages are located off 29th Street, just steps from Storvik Park and a short walk to downtown shops and dining. You’ll enjoy one of Washington’s most scenic communities while being part of a safe, tight-knit neighborhood.

6. Access to Excellent Schools and Resources

The Anacortes School District is highly rated, offering quality education and opportunities for children to thrive. Families can feel confident about raising kids in a supportive, well-equipped environment.

two tan and grey homes in Anacortes with a small fence around them. Homes built by Skagit Habitat for Humanity.

7. Build Equity and Long-Term Wealth

Instead of paying rent that builds your landlord’s wealth, every mortgage payment you make builds equity in your own home. Over time, that equity grows as you pay down your loan and your home gains value, giving you a stable asset. Homeownership not only creates stability today, it also provides a way to build generational wealth that can be passed on to your family for generations.

8. Easy Access to the Great Outdoors

For all you outdoorsy people, Parkside Cottages is the perfect spot to settle in a scenic area with close access to local parks and the water. Image strolling on the Tommy Thompson trail at sunset or watching the ferries cross the water at Washington State Park. Your family can spend your weekends exploring trails at Mount Erie or watching seals at Deception Pass. By living in Anacortes, you unlock endless opportunities for your family to get outside and enjoy Mother Nature.

Skagit Valley from high above at sunset.

9. Opportunities like this don’t come around often

two habitat for humanity homebuyers stand in front of their new home. The two share a hug while holding a red ribbon.

For the first time in our 31-year history, Skagit Habitat for Humanity is building in Anacortes. Affordable homeownership opportunities here are extremely limited, making this a rare chance to live in a beautiful community with a sustainable, affordable mortgage.

10. Great Neighbors

Since Homebuyers complete sweat equity hours side by side, they often build friendships while working on construction projects and at the Skagit Habitat Store. By the time families move in, they already have a sense of trust, connection, and community with the people living right next door. These bonds create stronger, safer neighborhoods where families can thrive together.

four women stand in front of a foundation and plywood walls with hard hats and construction gear.

What are you waiting for? Get started on your application today!

Ready to become a homeowner in Anacortes? Check if you meet program qualifications here. Applications are due in person with all supporting documentation on September 26th by 3 pm. Be sure to use the checklist on the front of your application packet to ensure you aren’t missing anything in your application.

Questions?

Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone: 360-428-9402 ext.113 Email: [email protected]

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