Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity (GAHH) builds affordable entry-level homes for first-time homebuyers. Applicants must be living or working in the Albuquerque/Rio Rancho area for the past 12 months. Every household member over the age of 18 must consent to a background, credit and sexual-offender check.

Before filling out the inquiry list at www.habitatabqrr.org, we ask that you review the Program Qualifications and Income Criteria. 

If you meet the requirements, complete the inquiry form to be notified when the application cycle opens.

Once the application cycle opens, you will need to submit your name and current mailing address via the application request form so we can mail you an application packet to complete and return for consideration.

If you have additional questions and would like to speak to the Family Service Manager, please call Dawn at (505) 359-2435 or email Dawn@habitatabqrr.org

A Need for Adequate Housing

• Lack of decent and safe living conditions as defined by the Habitat for Humanity housing evaluation criteria.

• Overcrowded housing conditions.

• Excessive rental costs: a family should not have to spend more than 30% of their income on housing (excluding utilities).

An Ability to Pay

• The gross annual household income may not exceed 80% of Bernalillo County area median income. The median income varies depending on the size of the family. (See Income Criteria Guidelines).

• Two-year history of stable income.

• Monthly long-term debt payments should not exceed 15% of a family’s income. (See Income Criteria for calculation).

• An acceptable credit history: All collections and judgements must be paid in full.

• Approximately $2,500 in savings for down payment, first year annual homeowners’ insurance, and closing costs (if applicable).

• Eligibility requirement: All household members must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

A Willingness to Partner with Habitat

• Be willing to contribute 350 hours of sweat equity towards the building of new Habitat homes, work on Repair sites, assist in the ReStore, and/or participating in Homebuyers education.

• Be willing to live in the neighborhood in which Habitat is currently building and follow city and subdivision regulations.

• Be willing to be a participating member of the Homeowner’s Association (if applicable).

Stable Income Types: salary or hourly pay, self-employment income, bonuses, investment income, child support, SSI, SSDI, & TANF, provided they are consistent and expected to continue.

Employment: Minimum of 24-month employment history.

Full-time: 12 months at current job

Part-Time and Self-employment: 24 months at current position

Income Guidelines:

Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity updates its Homeownership Program income requirements each year based on 50% to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Bernalillo County.

Eligibility is determined by total household income and household size.

Debt-to-Income Ratio 

Link to Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator —>

Your debt-to-income ratio compares the amount of your debt (excluding your rent payment) to your income. The ratio is best figured monthly.

For example: if your monthly gross pay is $2,000 and you pay $400 per month in debt payment(s) for loans and credit cards, medical bills and/or student loans, your debt-to-income ratio is:

$400 divided by $2,000 = 0.20 or 20%. We want your DTI Ratio around 13% to 15%.

To determine your monthly household debt, include monthly credit card payments, student loan payments, medical bills, vehicle loan payments, other loan payments, and Child support payments for all household members. Do not include utilities, groceries, or other miscellaneous expenses.

Deferred Student loans: We will estimate a monthly loan payment at .5% of the total deferred loan amount. Example: If you owe $40,000 in student loans, $200 will be counted towards your monthly debt.