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 also 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 (APR less than 1%) mortgage with the ability to finance most of the closing costs.
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Habitat homebuyers:
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Complete at least 25 hours of homebuyer and financial education classes
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Make a $1,500 down payment
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Volunteer with us for at least 200 -250 hours before purchase
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Choose from one of our available lots in West Tuscaloosa
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Purchase the home for the appraised value
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Agree to maintain the home as their primary residence for 20 years
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Can afford a mortgage payment between $700-$850/month (payment includes property tax and homeowner’s insurance)​
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
When evaluating applications Habitat Tuscaloosa looks at several criteria.
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Lived or worked in Tuscaloosa County for at least 6 months
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Have a stable, reliable income of at least $2,650 per month and verifiable savings of $750
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Have a reasonable amount of other debt (car payment, student loans, credit cards, etc.)
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Are financially stable and paying bills on time
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Been discharged from any prior bankruptcy for at least three (3) years (if applicable)
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Have the ability to pay off any collections or judgements (generally, $2,000 or less within 12 months of approval)
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Complete a homebuyer education program
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Review your credit report and monthly budget
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Pay your current bills and debts on time
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Save at least $750 (required)
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Locate important documents required to apply
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Monitor our website for dates and times of application meetings
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PREPARING TO APPLY:
SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION:
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Attend one of Habitat's informational meetings
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Submit your completed application on time
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Turn in all requested documents and information in a timely manner​
Download our 2025 Homeownership Program brochure:
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.