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Applications for this home opened on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 and closed on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Those who filled out the prescreening form during the application period will be entered into a lottery. The virtual lottery will take place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, attendance is optional. Invitations to fill out a full application will then be sent out in lottery rank order.
1532 Ursula Way, East Palo Alto
- One single-story, single-family home
- 1,092 square feet
- Three bedrooms, two bathrooms
- One attached parking garage
- Washer/dryer, stove/oven, refrigerator
- Minimum household size of 3 people
- 50%-80% Area Median Income (AMI)
- There will be preference for households that are living or working in East Palo Alto at time of application.
Applications
Thank you for your interest in this home. Applications are now closed.
Requirements to apply
Applicants must meet our income and credit guidelines, in addition to other requirements, such as being willing and able to perform 125 hours of sweat equity (volunteer hours) at a construction site, by attending workshops, as well as volunteering in other Habitat programs.
The selection process includes a review of your finances and credit, employment history, residency, and other qualifications.
If you have applied for a Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco home in the past, you will need to submit a new application for this home. All pre-applications that are received on time and filled out completely will be entered into a lottery. Please only submit one pre-application per household; multiple applications are reason for immediate disqualification. The lottery ONLY determines the order in which your application will be reviewed. It does not guarantee you a home.
- Must have a minimum credit score of 650
- Must have history of reliable payments on credit report
- Must be willing to complete 125 hours of sweat equity
- Applicants must be first time homebuyers and have not owned a residential property in the last 3 years
- Applicants must have a total debt-to-income ratio below 45%
- Must be permanent residents or US Citizens
- Must be a household with a minimum of three members to qualify
- Gross household income must be within the 50%-80% range of the 2024 San Mateo County Area Median Income (AMI). See table below for details:
| Income Limits (by household size) | 3 person household | 4 person household | 5 person household | 6 person household | 7 person household | 8 person household |
| Minimum Income Limit (50% AMI) | $88,150 | $97,900 | $105,570 | $113,600 | $121,400 | $129,250 |
| Maximum Income Limit (80% AMI) | $141,000 | $156,650 | $169,200 | $181,750 | $194,250 | $206,800 |
If you have any questions, please contact the Homeownership & Community Engagement Department at Homeownership@HabitatGSF.org or 415-625-1041.
FAQs
What if I don't meet all the eligibility criteria?
We encourage you to apply and let us determine your eligibility.
What is "Sweat Equity"?
Habitat GSF requires all potential buyers to complete sweat equity (up to 500 volunteer hours). The requirement for this previously built home is 125 hours.
You can get help with your sweat equity by having friends and family volunteer with you.
Sweat equity is not designed to be a barrier; we work with each family to ensure they finish their sweat equity in a safe and timely manner.
Is there parking?
Yes, parking is included.
How does the lottery work?
Pre-applicants will be given a unique ID number via email.
On June 24, 2025, Habitat Greater San Francisco will host a live, virtual lottery. You can sign up here. Attendance is optional.
Pre-applicants’ IDs will be randomized and given a spot in the lottery.
The lottery results will be posted at the top of this page on Friday, June 27.
We will invite applicants to complete the full application based on lottery number. For example, the applicant who gets lottery #1 will be the first person invited to complete the full application. We will go down the list in lottery order until the unit is filled by a qualified buyer.
What is considered an asset?
Checking and savings accounts
Retirement accounts/401(k)s
Stocks and bonds
Property
Are pets allowed?
Yes, limits may apply.
Do I have to have a co-applicant to apply?
No. Please keep in mind that applicants will become legal title holders and will be responsible for making all monthly payments on time.
Will Habitat Greater San Francisco be my landlord?
No, Habitat GSF is only the lender as this is not a rental unit.
If I applied for a Habitat GSF home in the past and I was not selected, do I need to reapply?
Yes, you will need to reapply. Please note, Habitat GSF does a new, random lottery each time new homes become available.