homeownership
HOMEOWNERSHIP THROUGH HABITAT
Becoming a homeowner is a big step that can provide financial stability and a safe, healthy home for you and your family to live and grow. If purchasing a home the “traditional way” seems out of reach, see if Habitat Tuscaloosa’s Path to Homeownership program is right for you. Our new homes offer a low down payment and an affordable monthly payment.
affordable homeownership BUILDS STRONG FAMILIES, RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
Habitat believes in the value of not only affordable housing, but of affordable homeownership in building strong, resilient communities. Communities with higher homeownership rates have lower crime rates, more community involvement, and higher property values.
Purchasing a home through Habitat gives individuals and families the opportunity to build wealth while providing their families a stable, healthy place to grow and succeed.
THE PATH TO HOMEOWNERSHIP OVERVIEW
Habitat Tuscaloosa does not rent or give away homes! Habitat Tuscaloosa builds attractive, affordable, energy-efficient homes in partnership with homebuyers, volunteers and donors. Our in-house financing offers our participants a 30-year, 0% interest mortgage with the ability to finance most of the closing costs.
Habitat homebuyers:
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Complete homebuyer and financial education classes
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Make a $1,000 down payment
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Volunteer with us for at least 250 hours (opportunities for all ability levels)
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Choose from one of our available lots and house plans
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Purchase the home for the appraised value, plus closing costs
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Agree to maintain the home as their residence
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Demonstrate they can afford an estimated mortgage payment between $650-$850/month (payment includes property tax and homeowner’s insurance)
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
When evaluating applications Habitat Tuscaloosa looks at several criteria. Successful applicants have:
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Lived or worked in Tuscaloosa County for at least 6 months
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A total household income that is between 30% -80% of Area Median Income
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Demonstrate a need for housing
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Are willing to complete 250-350 volunteer hours in a timely manner
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Have a stable, reliable income
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Have an acceptable level of non-housing debt and payment history
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Been discharged from any prior bankruptcy for at least three (3) years
Click here to learn more income and credit requirements
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THE APPLICATION PROCESS
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HOMEOWNERSHIP THROUGH HABITAT ORIENTATION
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2024 orientation sessions were held in June 2024. Continue to monitor our webpage for future orientations.
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COMPLETE THE APPLICATION & INTERVIEWS
Completing the Application - (for those who attended a June 2024 orientation)
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All 2024 applications have been distributed
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Accurately complete all sections of the application
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Mail or submit your application online by July 15, 2024
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Provide any additional information or documents requested in a timely manner
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Be on-time for any interviews or meetings
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, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or sources of income.