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 $550-$650/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
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested in applying for Habitat's
Path to Homeownership program?
Attend one of our summer orientation sessions,
HOMEOWNERSHIP THROUGH HABITAT 101, to receive an application.
ALL SESSIONS FOR
2023 ARE COMPLETE
For those who attended a 2023 orientation session, applications are due August 15, 2023
Watch this page for our 2024 sessions and
upcoming homeownership preparedness classes.
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.