AUBURN - What if you could purchase a home at zero percent interest with a mortgage and down payment equal or less than your current rent?
And what if you could do this with the simple task of helping make repairs needed to that home?
Cayuga County Habitat for Humanity, Inc. has been searching for such a family since a home was donated to the organization last September.
“We have had a few applications but so far it hasn't been what we are looking for,” said Tina Barry, Cayuga County Habitat for Humanity president, during the organization's annual meeting at SS Peter and John Church in Auburn Tuesday. “There are guidelines that must be met.”
According to Barry, the requirements for the purchase of the home are a need for adequate housing, ability to make the monthly mortgage payment, and willingness to participate as a partner with the organization.
“Five-hundred hours of sweat equity is a requirement,” she said.
Board members have been trying to get the word out about the 1700s home that was said to be an old post office, but have not received the feedback that they have been hoping for.
The house is located on Weedsport-Sennett Road, which members are concerned deters many applicants.
“I don't think that people feel comfortable with the Habitat for Humanity name,” said construction volunteer Dave Smith. “Most people aren't comfortable with charity. They do not realize that this is not charity. We are not giving them a home. They have to pay for it just like everyone else. We just try to make it easier for them.”
“The house is currently off the tax roles,” Barry said. “In this way, the costs of the upkeep until we can find a family is minimal.”
Barry said that the cost of the home will depend upon the amount that is put into the project.
This particular home was donated to the organization and costs so far have been minimal, according to organization treasurer Marsha Smith.
The family selected for the home must meet requirements that are above poverty levels but other financial obligations make them unable to purchase a home conventionally.
For a family of five, income guidelines fall between $28,262 and $45,220, according to advertisements.
Construction committee chairperson Rich Murdoch said that the home does need many repairs that will be completed by the organization, as well as the sweat equity requirement of the owner.
“The potential buyer does not have to be a handyman,” he said. “We have a volunteer crew of construction workers that will do the repairs. The buyer simply has to be there to help with whatever they can.”
Barry said that the organization currently holds six mortgages throughout Cayuga County and hopes to see many more homeowners in the future.
“It feels great to give your time to do something for someone else,” she said. “Owning your own home is a dream to many people. We are glad that we can help some of them.”
Cayuga County Habitat for Humanity, Inc. has been searching for such a family since a home was donated to the organization last September.
“We have had a few applications but so far it hasn't been what we are looking for,” said Tina Barry, Cayuga County Habitat for Humanity president, during the organization's annual meeting at SS Peter and John Church in Auburn Tuesday. “There are guidelines that must be met.”
According to Barry, the requirements for the purchase of the home are a need for adequate housing, ability to make the monthly mortgage payment, and willingness to participate as a partner with the organization.
“Five-hundred hours of sweat equity is a requirement,” she said.
Board members have been trying to get the word out about the 1700s home that was said to be an old post office, but have not received the feedback that they have been hoping for.
The house is located on Weedsport-Sennett Road, which members are concerned deters many applicants.
“I don't think that people feel comfortable with the Habitat for Humanity name,” said construction volunteer Dave Smith. “Most people aren't comfortable with charity. They do not realize that this is not charity. We are not giving them a home. They have to pay for it just like everyone else. We just try to make it easier for them.”
“The house is currently off the tax roles,” Barry said. “In this way, the costs of the upkeep until we can find a family is minimal.”
Barry said that the cost of the home will depend upon the amount that is put into the project.
This particular home was donated to the organization and costs so far have been minimal, according to organization treasurer Marsha Smith.
The family selected for the home must meet requirements that are above poverty levels but other financial obligations make them unable to purchase a home conventionally.
For a family of five, income guidelines fall between $28,262 and $45,220, according to advertisements.
Construction committee chairperson Rich Murdoch said that the home does need many repairs that will be completed by the organization, as well as the sweat equity requirement of the owner.
“The potential buyer does not have to be a handyman,” he said. “We have a volunteer crew of construction workers that will do the repairs. The buyer simply has to be there to help with whatever they can.”
Barry said that the organization currently holds six mortgages throughout Cayuga County and hopes to see many more homeowners in the future.
“It feels great to give your time to do something for someone else,” she said. “Owning your own home is a dream to many people. We are glad that we can help some of them.”
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