What Is Mutual Self-Help Housing?

Affordable Home Ownership for Low Income Families
Purchasing a home is the dream of most Americans. Unfortunately many Americans are not able to save the money for a down payment and cannot afford typical monthly mortgage payments. By contributing 65% of the labor each household saves $10,000 to $15,000 dollars of the cost of their house. This "sweat equity" replaces the down payment and reduces construction costs. Reducing the loan size makes the monthly mortgage payments more affordable for low-income households.

Mutual Self-help Is the Key
Mutual self-help housing programs bring together groups of six to ten low income households with good credit. Each group works together to build each others houses. It is not individualized with families working solely on their own homes. Without the impact of a significant pooling of labor, self-help housing cannot be effective and efficient.

Deep Commitment to Owning Your Own Home
If you have the idea that this is an "easy" way to get a home you'd better think again. Choosing to build your own home through the USDA-Rural Development mutual self-help housing program is a road of commitment, determination and hard work. It is also a very rewarding and satisfying road that will give you both a sense of accomplishment and pride of home ownership. Imagine the joy you'll feel when tucking your children into bed in their own rooms.

Overcoming Stresses and Difficulties
Northwest Housing Development pushes each group to meet production milestones. Production cannot be sacrificed for quality, yet group process cannot interfere with construction progress. Group dynamics can create challenges between households and household members. It's good to ask yourself whether you have the motivation, self-discipline and stamina to participate in the program. The goal of affordable home ownership can be motivation enough for many individuals to overlook any difficulties, but it is extremely important that you understand what you are getting into.

See answers to frequently asked questions. If you think mutual self-help housing might be for you submit your application or contact us today.

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