Learn how we provide the expert guidance, the education, and the preparation to build successful homeowners. Every Habitat home is sold with an affordable mortgage, helping to build wealth through generations.

Homeownership is possible. We’re here to help!

At GDM Habitat, we know how to make affordable homeownership a reality. Since 1987, we’ve helped more than 400 individuals and families turn their dreams of homeownership into reality. Will you be next?

Just like our construction team is focused on building quality housing, our Family Services and Lending Services teams are focused on equipping our partner families with the skills and knowhow to succeed with homeownership. Each of our Homeownership Navigators is an expert on our program, trained on how to help each homebuyer navigate the homebuying process.

Here’s how it works:

All Roads Lead to Home

Your path toward homeownership starts here! Here’s how it works:
  • You submit the completed interest form (see below or call 515-471-8686).
  • When opportunities are available, our team will contact you to arrange an intake appointment and let you know what to bring to that appointment.
  • During your intake appointment, we’ll review the information you provide and determine what path is right for you, depending on things like your household income and credit history:
    • Immediate entry into the homeownership program, where you’ll get started on your path to purchasing a home with an affordable mortgage
    • OR connection with our Mortgage Ready counseling team, who will help you with a unique plan to prepare you to enter the homeownership program or purchase a home on your own
    • OR if your housing needs don’t align with what we offer, we’ll connect you with other community resources

Not sure if you would qualify? We want you to apply anyway! Our team is prepared to help you create a personalized roadmap toward homeownership, no matter what your situation may be.

The Homeownership Program

Once you’re accepted into the homeownership program, your Homeownership Navigator will walk side-by-side with you through your homebuying journey. During this stage, you will:

  • Meet regularly with your Homeownership Navigator
  • Complete a housing counseling session to review your options, create an action plan, and prepare for the home purchase process
  • Complete Habitat homeownership program classes on topics such as home maintenance, homeowners insurance, property taxes, and more
  • Begin working on sweat equity (300-400 volunteer hours spent building or repairing homes or working in the ReStores)

Selecting & Purchasing Your Home

After completing a portion of your sweat equity and when you are financially ready, you’re eligible to select a home! You will work with your Homeownership Navigator to review the homes available in GDM Habitat’s inventory and select the right one for you.

GDM Habitat has a proven history of building and renovating quality homes. You can trust that the home you choose will be safe, stable, and affordable.

After you’ve selected your new home, you’ll be on the home stretch. Next, you will:

  • Complete your sweat equity, including (in many cases) working on your own future home!
  • Work with your Homeownership Navigator to complete the pre-closing process
  • Celebrate the dedication of your new home alongside GDM Habitat staff, volunteers, and supporters, as well as any friends and family that you would like to invite

Finally, you will purchase your home with an affordable mortgage!

What is an affordable mortgage?

Every Habitat homebuyer purchases their home with a mortgage. That means the new homeowner will pay off their home with monthly payments over the course of the loan — this is very similar to buying on the open market.

What’s different about a Habitat mortgage?

  • Every GDM Habitat mortgage is a low-interest loan
  • No GDM Habitat monthly mortgage payment will be higher than 30% of the homeowner’s monthly income at the time of closing

Our affordable mortgage will help you to succeed as a homeowner, build equity in your home, and help you to pass wealth on to the next generation.

Ready to get started on your
homeownership journey?

Fair Housing

We Do Business in Accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

Equal Housing Logo
Interpreters available upon request.

GDM Habitat for Humanity

95 University Ave., Suite 1
Des Moines, Iowa 50314

515-471-8686

Office Hours
Mon. – Fri. 8:00am – 4:00pm

East Euclid ReStore

2200 E. Euclid Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa 50317

515-650-6827
For donations, call 515-309-0224

Store Hours
Mon. – Sat. 9:00am – 6:00pm

Urbandale ReStore

4033 NW Urbandale Dr.
Urbandale, Iowa 50322

515-650-6828
For donations, call 515-309-0224

Store Hours
Mon. – Sat. 9:00am – 6:00pm