How Do I Qualify for an Otsego County Habitat for Humanity House? 

Otsego County Habitat for Humanity (OCHFH) builds simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with those who need a better place to live, who would like to purchase their home but are unable to qualify for a traditional home mortgage. You should be ready to accept the responsibility of being a homeowner.

Habitat families are selected based on the four criteria listed below.  When completed, homes are sold to partner families who will pay a monthly mortgage payment that includes taxes and insurance for 20-30 years. 

1. Ability to Pay: You must be with 30-43% of the median income for Otsego County and be able to pay the low monthly mortgage payments.

2. Need: You were unable to obtain adequate housing through conventional means. Your present housing is unsafe or in disrepair. You have no permanent housing, or you share with other families. You cannot already own your home or have owned a home in the last three years.

​3. Willingness To Partner
All families selected for the program will complete at least 250 hours of volunteer "Sweat Equity" per adult.  These hours include working on your home and assisting at events hosted by Habitat.

2017 Application for a Habitat Home in Otsego County