Application Information

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Application Day: January 23

We will be accepting applications January 23 for townhomes in Bristol Township. Please scroll to the bottom of this page for information on how to contact us.

We are are planning to break ground on our Colonial Avenue property in early 2010, building a cluster of four townhomes, each with three bedrooms. These spacious homes will meet ENERGY STAR® standards, and they will be built to receive the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Green Building Program™ Silver rating, with ambition to achieve the coveted Gold rating. These certifications mean that future homeowners will not only be purchasing a safe, decent and affordable home, but also an energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly one. Families’ utility bills will be greatly reduced by Habitat for Humanity’s green building, with projections of a 25-to-40% savings.

Building specifications:
• 3 bedrooms
• 1 full bathroom
• Eat-in kitchen
• Living room
• Laundry room
• Homeowners’ Association
• Underground storm water retention basin, rain gardens and pervious driveways
• Formaldehyde-free spray foam insulation
• ENERGY STAR®-rated windows, exterior doors, appliances, CFL light fixtures, ceiling and exhaust fan
• Low VOC paints and adhesives
• Green-labeled carpet and flooring
• Water-saver plumbing fixtures

Emerald Hollow: Three homes are available!

A 73-unit, townhouse community near Quakertown in Upper Bucks County, Emerald Hollow has two mid-units and one end-unit available. The mid-units are priced at $115,000; the end units are priced at $132,250. We are accepting applications for the Emerald Hollow Two model*.

The Stitchery: Three condos are available!

Located at 815 Chestnut Street, Perkasie, this building is our first adaptive re-use project. We are converting the building into six fully contained condominium units on three floors. Each condo will range in size from 950 to 1020 square feet. In keeping with Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County's building goals, this homebuilding program will strive to meet ENERGY STAR standards and Keystone Green Building Intiative rating.

The condos range in price between $101,925 and $119,633.

We are accepting applications for the Tier Two model* only. We would be happy to send some information about homeownership and how to be included in our database for future opportunities to apply for both models.

Habitat Bucks does not provide a quick answer to a housing need. Because of Habitat's complex program, we require potential applicants to attend an information session prior to filling out an application. Therefore, only Pre-Application Questionnaires, not applications, may be obtained by mail throughout the year.

Application Days are held once or twice a year. The application process itself lasts about three to five months; once a family is accepted, they may wait up to one year until the home is completed. However, the reward of homeownership is a worthy goal—we encourage all applicants to be patient and stay motivated throughout the process.

**Habitat Bucks provides two models of homeownership. In addition to the Emerald Hollow One/Tier One, or “traditional” Habitat model, Habitat Bucks also offers an Emerald Hollow Two/Tier Two model. The family qualifications remain the same for both models; however the income, mortgage and sweat equity requirements vary.

Family Qualifications

Family Qualifications for all Habitat Bucks families:

• Currently live or work in Bucks County
• Willing to partner with Habitat Bucks in completing up to 375 “sweat equity” hours and participating in media coverage
• Have a stable income and satisfactory credit history
• Live in “substandard” conditions

Acceptable income levels for Habitat families:

*Applications are evaluated on several criteria, the first being the Housing Ratio: the expected monthly mortgage amount is divided by an applicant’s gross monthly income. Typically, a person should not spend more than 25% to 30% of his or her gross monthly income on housing costs. Thus, for the purchase of a mid-unit, priced at $115,000, the qualifying minimum income must be at least $41,000. For the purchase of an end unit, priced at $132,250, the qualifying minimum income is $47,000. However, applicants must also meet the minimum income requirement based on family size.

Get your Application Questionnaire

If you are interested in receiving an application for the Habitat Bucks Homeownership Program, please click below for an Applicant Questionnaire. Print the form and mail it to our office at 31 Oak Avenue, Suite 100, Chalfont, PA 18914. If you qualify, we will contact you regarding the next Application Day. The next date is January 23rd.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are not barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or any other basis as required by law.