Becoming a Homeowner
Becoming a homeowner is only a dream for many families. Paying too much rent for poorly maintained housing can seem like a vicious cycle that is impossible to escape. There is a way out! Habitat for Humanity's Homeownership Program may be the answer to your prayers. The path to homeownership through Habitat for Humanity is an in-depth process, requiring hard work, time and dedication.
Since 1992 Caldwell County Habitat has been helping local families unlock the door to their dreams of homeownership. Habitat does not give homes away. Families partner with Habitat by investing "sweat equity" as they work to build homes and attend homeowner education classes. This takes approximately 12 to 18 months to complete. Once a family successfully completes the Homeownership Program, the home is sold to the family with an affordable, no interest mortgage.
Qualifications for the Homeownership Program
1) Need for Affordable Housing
- Current living condition is overcrowded, substandard or public housing.
- Cannot have owned a home within last 3 years.
- Current rent and/or utility costs are excessive.
- Current rent exceeds 30% of gross income.
2) Ability to Pay
- Applicants must have the ability to pay an affordable, no-interest mortgage.
- Income must be stable and verifiable. Annual income must fall within Caldwell County Habitat's income guidelines.
- Habitat mortgage payments cannot exceed 30% of gross income.
- Habitat mortgage payments and applicants' debt cannot exceed 40% of gross income.
- Applicants must have satisfactory credit demonstrating the ability and willingness to repay the mortgage.
3) Willingness to Partner
- Live and/or work in Caldwell County within 12 months prior to application.
- Must be a legal US resident.
- Willing to invest “sweat equity” by working 300 hours per applicant to build homes.
- Willing to attend homeowner education classes.
- Willing to prepare and/maintain a personal budget.
- Have no serious criminal background.