Homebuyer Program

Applications Open – Parkside Cottages in Anacortes

Applications are OPEN for our Parkside Cottages project in Anacortes! We are selecting TWO more Homebuyers for a 2-bed, 1.5 unit.

This is an opportunity to pay no greater than 33% of your gross monthly income to own a permanently affordable home in Anacortes! Applications will be processed as submitted, and the application period will be closed once the qualified future Homebuyers are selected.

Note: We are excited to broaden the income range that qualifies! See below to view the income requirements.

Affordable Housing Opportunities for skagit families

Our Habitat Homebuyer Program provides a unique opportunity for hard-working, low-income individuals and families to help build and buy their own home. We work closely with qualified individuals and families to build safe, permanent, and affordable homes in Skagit County.

Skagit Habitat Homebuyer Program

Qualifications & Homebuyer Program Process

Residency

Applicants must be a US citizen or a permanent legal resident of the U.S.

AND

Applicants must be a resident of Skagit County for at least one year.

Need

Applicants are currently living in inadequate or substandard living.

OR

Applicants currently pay 50% or more of their household income on rent.

Willingness to Partner

Applicants must contribute 150 hours (per applicant) of “Sweat Equity” labor at construction sites, the Skagit Habitat Store, and other volunteer opportunities hosted by the organization.

AND

Applicants must attend required meetings and classes.

Ability to Repay the Loan

Applicants must have two year history of documented income providing adequate ability to repay the loan payments. Applicants must be able to qualify for a mortgage loan from a lender.

AND

Applicants income must be within the applicants guidelines listed in the chart below.

AND

Once their home is completed, the family will become a Skagit Habitat Homeowner and must pay back mortgage to Skagit Habitat for Humanity.

Additional qualifications for anacortes townhomes

Household Size

One to four people. No more than two children in a room. Children of the opposite sex cannot share a bedroom.

2 Year Work History

Have a two-year record of income in the same job or career field.

Credit and Debt-to-Income (DTI)

Have a credit score of 620 or higher And a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or lower.

Income Range

Have a combined gross household income between 65-80% of the Area Median Income based on household size. (see table below)

Step One

Attend an Affordable Housing Orientation

Families interested in applying for a Skagit Habitat for Humanity home begin by attending a mandatory Affordable Housing Orientation. At the meeting, we will explain the program requirements, criteria, and expectations; describe the type of homes we build; and talk about how the application process works and answer questions. Meetings are scheduled on an irregular basis to coincide with upcoming new construction.

*If you are applying for our Parkside Cottages homes in Anacortes, attending orientation is not mandatory.

When applying for the Homebuyer Program, we assess your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio using your current financial obligations and an estimate of your future mortgage payment if selected. To ensure financial stability and prevent financial burden, applicants with a calculated DTI ratio exceeding 43% will not qualify for the program. 

It's important to note that your current DTI ratio may differ from the calculated ratio used during the evaluation process. Even if your current DTI is above or below 43%, eligibility depends on how your current rent compares to the projected mortgage payment. For reference, your mortgage payment under this program will not exceed 33% of your gross income. This approach ensures affordability while helping families achieve sustainable homeownership. Learn more here.

A credit score (FICO® scores) is a number that is between 350-850, based on your likelihood of repaying a creditor on time. Your credit score is used by lenders to determine your credit risk and interest rate for your home loan. Although it is not required, it is recommended to have a score higher than 620.

From the submission of an application through the finalization of the home purchase, income and credit are reviewed periodically. Any changes in either report could impact program eligibility, and the ability to secure a home loan.

Learn more about credit scores here.

Substandard housing can occur in several ways, including unsafe living conditions, overcrowding, cost burden, living in a dangerous neighborhood, or living in transitional housing.  

Unsafe living conditions 

Unsafe conditions of the housing structure include, but are not limited to, inadequate heat, plumbing, water or sewer, irreparable deterioration or damage to the roof or structural components, mold or mildew, or other conditions deemed unsafe. 

Overcrowding 

Three or more children sharing a bedroom or do not have a bedroom due to the physical restraints of the housing structure. Children of opposite sexes sharing a bedroom. Children sharing the parent's bedroom. Parents and children separated and living in different homes due to overcrowding. 

Cost Burden 

Unsustainable rent or mortgage payments, defined as being 50% or more of the household's annual gross income. 

Dangerous Neighborhood 

Unsafe conditions due to persistent neighborhood violent criminal or drug activity. Police reports or other proof will be requested. 

Transitional Housing 

Unstable condition as a result of living in transitional housing for at least six months (drug or criminal transitional housing does not qualify), or current housing has been condemned or has been sold by the landlord and there are no other comparable opportunities for housing. 

Overcrowding occurs when more people occupy a space than is considered safe or comfortable. To ensure the well-being of all household members, we follow specific guidelines regarding room occupancy. Families cannot apply if more than two children of the same sex would need to share a room, or if a room would be shared by more than two people, except for couples. Additionally, children of different sexes are not permitted to share a bedroom. 

These are based on guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure there is no degradation to physical or mental health. 

While some families may feel comfortable sharing bedrooms with more people, we cannot accommodate this due to overcrowding concerns. Overcrowding can increase health and safety risks for household members. To prevent these risks, our guidelines limit bedrooms to a maximum of two people per room. This arrangement is permissible only for children of the same sex or couples. Children of opposite sexes cannot share a bedroom. 

These are based on guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure there is no degradation to physical or mental health. 

Find more FAQs here.

FY 2025 Gross Income Limits

 

Percentage 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 Person
100 $78,120.00 $89,280.00 $100,441.12 $111,600.00
80 $61,250.00 $70,000.00 $78,750.88 $87,500.00
70 $53,606.00 $61,264.00 $68,922.77 $76,580.00
65 $49,777.00 $56,888.00 $63,999.72 $71,110.00
60 $45,948.00 $52,512.00 $59,076.66 $65,640.00
50 $38,290.00 $43,760.00 $49,230.55 $54,700.00
40 $30,632.00 $35,008.00 $39,384.44 $43,760.00
30 $22,974.00 $26,256.00 $29,538.33 $32,820.00

 

Percentage 5 Person 6 Person 7 Person 8 Person
100 $120,528.00 $129,456.00 $138,383.89 $147,311.89
80 $94,500.00 $101,500.00 $108,499.91 $115,499.91
70 $82,706.40 $88,832.80 $94,959.12 $101,085.52
60 $70,891.20 $76,142.40 $81,393.53 $86,644.73
50 $59,076.00 $63,452.00 $67,827.95 $72,203.95
40 $47,260.80 $50,761.60 $54,262.36 $57,763.16
30 $35,445.60 $38,071.20 $40,696.77 $43,322.37
20 $23,630.40 $25,380.80 $27,131.18 $28,881.58

Numbers represent Skagit County’s median gross income limits based on family size, according to the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). More information can be found here. 

Step Two

Submit Your Completed Application

In order to be considered, each application must include all required documents and be received by the Skagit Habitat office by the established deadline date. The information provided on the application, including any information received from references, will be kept confidential within the limits of the law. Required documents and information include:

  • COPIES of Original photo identification for all applicants

  • COPIES of Original or Certified proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate or permanent residency card)

  • COPIES (no originals) two months of most recent paycheck stubs for all sources of income in your household.

  • COPIES (no originals) two months of most recent bank statements and retirement statements for all applicants.

  • COPIES (no originals) of official letters from each source of assistance income (SSD, SSI, TANF, child support, etc.)

  • COPIES (no originals) of the two most recent completed income tax return with all supporting documentation

  • COPIES (no originals) of the two previous years W2 forms for all sources of income

  • Complete list of all debts and full discharge paperwork of any bankruptcy

  • Names, phone numbers, emails, and addresses of employers and other sources of income

  • Name, phone number, email and mailing address of your current landlord

  • Names, phone numbers, and addresses of three personal references, two of them not related to you

  • A letter of explanation of why you would like your household to be selected to become a Skagit Habitat Homeowner

  • Credit Score AND Credit Report from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion

  • If you do not have three credit references that will show up on a credit report, you must bring letters or statements from your landlord and two companies (such as Puget Sound Energy, Cascade Natural Gas, a phone company, or an insurance company) showing that you have paid on time for the past 12 months

**Additional documentation may be required. All information provided is CONFIDENTIAL.

Step Three

Application Review by the Homebuyer Selection Committee

Each completed application will be reviewed by the Homebuyer Selection Committee. All potential applicants will be screened against the sex offender registry and criminal background will be checked. In addition, resources and references provided in the application, including but not limited to employers, personal references, and credit rating will be checked.

The applicant family’s income and debt will be determined using information and documents provided in their application. The next step in determining eligibility is the in-home interview during which committee members meet with everyone listed on the application as part of the family. Housing need and willingness to partner are evaluated.

The committee then meets to review each application and recommends those applicants meeting all requirements to the Skagit Habitat Board of Directors for approval and acceptance as a future Habitat Homebuyer. Applicants that do not meet all requirements will receive a letter detailing why they did not qualify and are welcome to re-apply in the future.

Expectations of New Future Homebuyers

The Future Homeowner agrees to perform a minimum of 150 ‘Sweat Equity’ hours (per applicant) in partnership with Skagit Habitat. All hours must be completed before the future Habitat Homebuyer can close on their mortgage and move into the home. ‘Sweat Equity’ hours support and foster the efforts of Skagit Habitat to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter and may be earned by:

  • attending required educational classes and workshops,
  • volunteering at special events supporting Skagit Habitat’s mission and work (ex. Raise the Roof Gala, NPSAR Golf Tournament)
  • volunteering at the Skagit Habitat Store,
  • working on the homes of other future Habitat Homebuyers,
  • working on their own future Habitat Home.

Your photos and likeness may be posted on social media and other marketing platforms.