Become a Habitat Homeowner

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Habitat homeowner. We believe that everyone should have a safe, affordable place to call home.

To carry out our vision, we partner with individuals and families from application through construction to when the keys are handed over. Working with us from beginning to end helps prospective homeowners prepare for the responsibilities of homeownership, including learning about personal finances, mortgages, maintenance, upkeep and much more.

Habitat’s path to homeownership is an important and in-depth process, requiring hard work, time and dedication that helps to ensure the long-term success of homeowners.

How to qualify for a Habitat home

Habitat homeowners must be active participants in building a better home and future for themselves and their families. Every Habitat home is an investment. For us, it is one answer to a critical need, and we believe that stronger homes will create stronger communities.

Qualifying families must be able to:

• Demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing

• Verify Income:

  • For Beaufort County, between 30% and 80% of area median income

  • For Jasper County, between 30% and 80% of area median income

  • Be able to pay an interest-free, affordable mortgage that will be cycled back into the community to help build additional Habitat houses

  • Be able to pay closing costs of 2% of sales price

  • Be able to perform mandatory "Sweat Equity" hours

  • Have a willingness to attend mandatory educational workshops

  • Be legal U. S. residents, who have lived or worked in Beaufort or Jasper County for a minimum of six months prior to application.

  • Be currently living in substandard housing, which can mean it is overcrowded, in poor repair, in an unsafe neighborhood, or overpriced. If the applicant is living with friends or relatives, or is homeless, that can be taken into consideration.

  • Be able to show responsible credit history via a credit check. Credit is not expected to be perfect, but a poor credit history is taken into consideration.