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Applications Accepted
March - June
Applications for Caldwell County Habitat’s Homeownership Program are accepted from March 1 to June 30. Application packets are available online (to print) or at the Habitat Office and ReStore.
Completed applications must be submitted to the Habitat office by June 30. Verification of all income should accompany the completed application. Examples of income verification:
- Current pay stubs
- Social Security, Disability, or SSI letters
- Child support verification or alimony letters showing the amount received over the past year
- If you are self-employed, provide two years of recent tax returns
Applications are assessed to determine the applicant's ability to pay a Habitat mortgage. The applicant's annual income must align with Habitat’s income guidelines (provided in the application packet). Additionally, the applicant must have acceptable credit, indicating their capability and willingness to repay the mortgage. Credit reports will be gathered for applicants whose income meets the stated guidelines.
The application process for becoming a homeowner through Caldwell County Habitat is thorough and consists of several stages. After an application is submitted, it is reviewed initially. Applicants are informed of their application status within 30 days.
Homeowner Information Meeting
August
Qualified applicants must attend a Homeowner Information meeting in August. Attendance is mandatory for you to continue in Habitat's application process. During this meeting, qualified applicants will gain deeper insights into the Habitat Homeownership Program and update their application files.
Applicant Interviews
August - September
Habitat's Family Selection team will schedule virtual interviews with qualified applicants to discuss their housing needs and their willingness to partner with Habitat throughout the homeownership process.
Final Approval for Homeownership Program
September
Caldwell Habitat's Board of Directors approves applicants for the Homeownership Program for the upcoming year. Applicants will be notified by the end of September. The availability of housing spots determines the number of applicants accepted into the Program.
The Journey Begins!
Applicants approved for the Homeownership Program embark on their journey to becoming homeowners. During this time, they work on fulfilling their sweat equity requirements by building homes and participating in homeowner education. Additionally, applicants must maintain their income and creditworthiness throughout the process. Once they successfully complete the Homeownership Program, construction begins!
Homeownership!
Applicants in the Homeownership Program start building their homes upon completing their sweat equity requirements. Future homeowners customize their spaces by selecting the exterior vinyl color, flooring, cabinets, and much more. The construction typically takes about 4 to 6 months. The future homeowner must maintain their income and creditworthiness during this time. Once their energy-efficient home is finished, they purchase it with a no-interest mortgage and officially become homeowners!
Being a Habitat homeowner entails responsibilities. Homeowners care for their homes using various skills they learned while assisting in the construction. Like any mortgage, Habitat homeowners make monthly payments until the house is fully paid off.
Habitat's path to homeownership requires time, dedication, and hard work. This process is designed to ensure the long-term success of our homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caldwell County Habitat for Humanity?
Caldwell County Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to forming partnerships that empower individuals, families, and the community to build simple, decent homes collaboratively with families needing affordable housing. Habitat’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
How does it work?
Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of homeowner families. Habitat houses are sold to qualified applicants at no profit and are financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The monthly mortgage payments made by homeowners go into a revolving fund for Habitat for Humanity to construct more houses.
Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to covering initial escrow costs and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners contribute hundreds of hours of their labor—known as “sweat equity”—into building their Habitat home and assisting with the homes of others. A single applicant must commit at least 300 hours, while a two-person applicant must contribute 600 hours.
Do I need perfect credit?
We do not expect applicants to have a flawless credit history. The Family Selection Committee considers the overall picture of each applicant and seeks individuals ready to accept homeownership responsibilities. We do not want to sell homes to applicants who cannot afford them. Applicants must demonstrate the ability and willingness to repay a Habitat mortgage, which is assessed through their credit history. Good credit implies paying all your bills on time each month and avoiding excessive debt. Your credit is your responsibility, and maintaining good credit is one of the most crucial steps for your financial health. A credit report records the personal financial transactions that comprise your credit history, including credit cards, car loans, personal loans, and negative items such as utility and loan collections, including student loans.
What if I have bad credit?
Homeownership is a significant responsibility. Habitat’s goal is to assist you in becoming a successful homeowner.
We cannot extend credit for purchasing a home if an applicant has excessive debt, multiple unpaid collections, active unresolved judgments, or liens. Applicants who have filed for bankruptcy previously should demonstrate a good credit history since the bankruptcy, and bankruptcies must have been discharged at least three years before the housing application. Certain requirements may be waived in cases of personal or natural disasters.
If homeownership is your ultimate goal but you’re not financially ready to apply just yet, here are some tools that can help.
Operation Hope offers free and confidential credit counseling. To learn more, please visit their website at https://operationhope.org/. The local branch of Operation Hope is located inside First Horizon Bank in Hickory. For further information, you can contact Niki Mullineaux at niki.mullineaux@operationhope.org or call 828-705-1198. If you are concerned about your credit history, you can access one free copy of your credit report each year at www.annualcreditreport.com.