No. This is a separate program. Applicants are not required to earn sweat equity or attend workshops (except for the 8-hour pre-purchase workshop). Applicants are responsible for selecting a lender prior to applying and obtaining a mortgage pre-approval. Pensacola Habitat for Humanity will not provide financing or a lender referral. 

Online at apply.pensacolahabitat.org. Be sure to click on the “Pathway to Homeownership with Escambia County” application and NOT the Pensacola Habitat Homebuyer + CLT Application. Pensacola Habitat is not responsible if you submit your application to the incorrect portal. No, we cannot transfer your application to the correct portal. If you apply under the wrong portal, you will need to re-submit to the correct portal. 

First come, first served. This program has an extremely limited inventory. Once they have sold, they’re off the market. 

No, you must use a lender that is on the SHIP Lender List.

Yes, the buyer does need to live there as their primary residence. The buyer cannot rent out the home within the first 10 years. If needed to sell within the first 10 years, the buyer would need to pay off silent mortgages that they would otherwise not need to pay back if they remained living in the home.

Yes, SSI can be included. As long as the household gross income is not over the 80% AMI limits. Potential buyers will discuss this with the lender in order to get prequalified.

According to Escambia County, the $1,000 contribution has to be sourced from the homebuyer’s own funds.

Yes, it can be included in the initial closing costs. On a monthly basis, it's part of the PITI payment — which covers principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. So yes, SHIP assistance can help cover that portion of the closing costs.

Yes, per the SHIP Homebuyer Requirements (have not owned a home in the last 3 years).

This is a new program and new process, so we don’t have an exact timeline. Pensacola Habitat Staff anticipate 90 days to get through the entire process. We will not delay closing due to your current living situation (breaking a lease, moving, etc.) so please be prepared to purchase a home and move within 90 days from an approved application. This can be a costly process, so again, we encourage you to be as prepared as possible. 

Eligible first-time buyers at or below 80% Area Median Income that apply with a mortgage pre-approval letter from a SHIP Approved lender (minimum $150,0000). See chart on this page for household income limits.

No. These homes are move-in ready and are fully constructed already.

No, the price is not negotiable. Homes will be sold based on the fair market value (established by a third-party appraisal) and based on the homebuyer’s affordability per agreement between Pensacola Habitat and Escambia County. Payment will be no more than 33% of the buyer’s gross monthly income.