Family Selection Process
Ever wonder about how families are chosen to be Habitat homeowners?
Each month, Sumter Habitat for Humanity receives approximately 100
inquiries for homeownership. Candidates for a Habitat House must meet
and follow strict qualification guidelines. Among these guidelines are the
desire, ability and commitment to put in many hours of "sweat equity" into
their Habitat homebuilding project. Please see Qualification Guidelines
below.
The Family Selection Committee
Habitat's family selection committee is comprised of several dedicated
volunteers generous-hearted folks who donate countless hours of
their time to help make the dream of homeownership a reality for
deserving families. The process of selecting a homeowner family is a
laborious one, but one done with generosity, sensitivity, and
compassion.
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Family Orientation Meeting
Sumter Habitat for Humanity
invites you to attend our next
family orientation meeting.
* Family Orientations are held
periodically throughout the year.
* Please view our Event Calendar to learn dates,
times and locations. You can
come by the office to sign up for a
family orientation meeting.
Office Phone: (803) 775-5767
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Qualification Guidelines
Your family must have and maintain a good credit history. Habitat will check credit history through
a credit report.
If your family has declared bankruptcy, it must have been discharged at least two years ago.
Your family must be able to make a down payment of approximately $800-$900 in home closing
costs.
If your family currently receives a housing subsidy such as HUD or Section 8, you may still apply.
However, if you are selected as a Habitat partner family, you will lose your housing subsidy funds.
Your family will be required to contribute 300 hours of labor ("sweat equity") to Habitat, through
construction work; if needed, special accommodations are gladly made.
If you are legally married, but plan to apply to Habitat as a single person, your divorce must be
finalized before we can consider your application.
Your family must be legal residents of the U.S.
Your family must live or work in Sumter County to be eligible for consideration for a Habitat
home.
Next Steps
If your family meets these qualifications, please come to a family orientation meeting. For answers to common
questions, please consult our list of frequently asked questions. To view and print out our homeownership
brochure (pdf) CLICK HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Family Selection Process
How long is the family selection process?
It varies depending on the availability of homes.
Who selects the families?
The Family Selection Committee.
What can be included as income?
Reportable income, pensions, court ordered-child support, social security, disability, alimony, etc.
Will cash income be included?
Only if it can be documented.
Does being a stay-at-home mom count against you?
No, but there must be sufficient income for the house payment and other expenses.
Can one person qualify for a house?
Yes.
Can a relative help me qualify even if that relative won't be living there?
No.
Must a divorce be finalized before I can get a home?
Yes, property division should be final.
What if I'm not a legal resident?
You must be a legal resident. Special cases will be reviewed.
Will you let us know when you'll be coming for a home visit and the purpose of the visit?
Yes.
What are the ways I can do my sweat equity hours?
You may volunteer at any of Sumter Humanity for Humanity's construction sites, at various orientation
meetings, in the Habitat office, in the Habitat ReStore, and at numerous special events.
Can I pick my own house?
Generally, no. Our construction and management staffs pick the homes based on land configuration, family
size and other specific needs.
Can we choose the number of rooms?
No.
Can we select the carpeting or tile?
Not the specific type of carpeting or tile, but you are able to select the colors.
Can we choose the paint colors?
No.
Will the home have handicapped access?
If there is a need for handicapped access, this can be discussed with the construction staff upon approval.
How big are the yards?
This would be specific to the homes offered at the time.
Do the homes have air conditioning?
Yes, all homes are equipped with an energy efficient heat pump unit.
Are appliances included?
Each Habitat for Humanity home includes a stove, refrigerator, washer & dryer.
After the mortgage has been paid in full, can we sell the house?
Yes, but there are restrictions to who it can be sold.
Does the owner get the appreciation (equity) in the house?
Yes.
Are there any income tax benefits?
There is no interest deduction, as Habitat for Humanity provides no-interest, principal-only loans.
What if I miss a mortgage payment?
Under the terms of the note, you are in default, which can result in foreclosure. Habitat may consider a
payment plan to catch up.
Will I still get my HUD or Section 8 subsidy?
If you become a homeowner with Habitat for Humanity, you will lose your housing subsidy funds.
Who can live in the house?
The number of persons living in the house cannot exceed reasonable occupancy. Should be immediate family
only.
Can I rent out a room or the whole house?
No, Sumter Habitat for Humanity does not allow you to rent a room or the whole home.
Will my house payment change?
Yes. The principal amount of your mortgage will be fixed during the time you pay for the home since you
will be paying a no-interest mortgage. However, your escrow amounts for annual taxes, insurance and termite
bonds will increase over time, and this will increase your monthly house payments.over the life of the mortgage
which is generally 20 years.
How many homes are available?
Habitat has a number of home sites in our land inventory. However, our pace of construction is determined
by fund-raising and other factors. We attempt to build at least 6 to 9 homes per year.
If you would like more information on Sumter Habitat for Humanity's Family Selection process or would like
to attend a Family Orientation Meeting, please call the Habitat Office at 775-5767 or visit our Event Calendar
to find out when our next community-wide orientation will be held.
Also, please feel free to view and download our Family Selection Brochure (pdf) CLICK HERE.
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