Frequently Asked Questions

	Buying a Home
What is the first step toward becoming a homeowner? How are families selected? Will credit checks be required? How long does it take to complete a home? What is Sweat Equity? What kind of homes does Habitat for Humanity build? Do program participants get to choose the location or design? Will I be allowed to sell my home?

	Restore
What is the "Restore"? Do you accept donations? What does the ReStore sell? How are your items priced? Where do your items come from? Where do proceeds go? How do I volunteer at the ReStore? Are my donations tax deductible? Where are other ReStores?

Q.	What is the first step toward becoming a homeowner?
A.	First, review our requirements and determine if this program is right for you and your family. Next, sign up for a First Time Homebuyers class, held at the Flathead Valley Community College. Applicants are responsible for the costs of the class, and we cannot accept a family until a Certificate of Achievement is received. Lastly, contact the office to see when the next scheduled Application Information meeting is being held.
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Q.	How are families selected?
A.	After attending the First Time Homebuyers class, download an application from the website or contact the office and set up a time to pick one up. Applications are reviewed for eligibility and a financial review is conducted. If qualified, home visits are performed. After all necessary documentation is received, the Family Selection Committee makes a recommendation.
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Q.	Will credit checks be required?
A.	Yes. The office will conduct a credit check when reviewing financial documents. There is not a minimum or maximum credit score to qualify, but the applicant’s amount of debt is measured and calculated. Habitat needs proof that attempts are being made to pay off debt.
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Q.	How long does it take to complete a home?
A.	Ideally, the entire process, from Application to Home Dedication, takes one year. Habitat for Humanity is not an emergency housing program. Habitat selects families on a quarterly basis, and construction work is conducted according to the weather and volunteer labor.
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Q.	What is Sweat Equity?
A.	Sweat equity is the time applicant families invest throughout the homeownership process to earn the opportunity to purchase their own home. Following approval by the Selection Committee, future homeowners must complete 500 hours before closing on their home. There are a number of ways to complete the Sweat Equity requirements: Attending financial literacy classes (mandatory); working on the build site; working in the ReStore; or helping out at the office.
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Q.	What kind of homes does Habitat for Humanity build?
A.	We build simple, decent and affordable homes. Homes vary in size depending on the family and range between approximately 900-1400 square feet. All homes come with a refrigerator, range, washer and dryer. Design work for the homes is completed by local architecture firms, with the goal of maximizing space and practicality.
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Q.	Do program participants get to choose the location or design?
A.	No. The location of our builds takes time to secure and we typically know several years in advance where our projects will take place. Some input is encouraged throughout the build process, but layout and design is donated to Habitat for Humanity by local professionals.
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Q.	Will I be allowed to sell my home?
A.	Yes, but with some restrictions. The home will basically have two mortgages: The first being the hard construction costs and the second being the appraised value. The payments on the second mortgage will be forgiven over time, and Habitat for Humanity has claims on a portion of the equity if the home is sold before the mortgage is up.
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Q.	What is the "Restore"?
A.	It's a store focusing on...
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Q.	Do you accept donations?
A.	Yes. Wednesday through Saturday from 10AM to 5PM.
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Q.	What does the ReStore sell?
A.	The Flathead Valley ReStore sells new and gently used building materials. Our inventory includes, but is not limited to: Windows, Doors (interior and exterior), Cabinets, Appliances (Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Dishwashers, Range/Stoves), Tubs, Showers, Toilets, Sinks, Water Heaters, Paint, Furnaces, and Plumbing, Electrical, and Heating/Cooling supplies.
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Q.	How are your items priced?
A.	We mark our inventory below wholesale prices. Typically that means are items are 20-70% of retail prices.
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Q.	Where do your items come from?
A.	Everything in our store is donated. Items for sale come from individuals, builders, and businesses.
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Q.	Where do proceeds go?
A.	All proceeds go towards building Habitat for Humanity homes in the Flathead Valley. If you would like more information on our builds, call the Habitat office at 406-257-8800.
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Q.	How do I volunteer at the ReStore?
A.	The ReStore is always looking for volunteers. Please contact the store during our open hours if you have questions, 406-752-2905. If you like working with your hands, don't mind getting dirty, and enjoy helping customers, we would love to have you at the store. And we are currently seeking someone with cashier experience.
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Q.	Are my donations tax deductible?
A.	All donations to the ReStore are tax deductible, and we will give you a receipt for any donation. We do not assign a value to the items you donate. Please consult an appraiser, or visit www.irs.gov for more information.
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Q.	Where are other ReStores?
A.	There are ReStores across the United States and Canada. In Montana, stores are in Helena, Great Falls, Billings, and Belgrade.
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