Making Homeownership Possible!
Sumter Habitat for Humanity helps make homeownership a reality for those who meet certain income qualifications. We offer affordable mortgage loans to buy homes in partnership with us. Discover what you need in order to apply for our program...
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HOW TO APPLY
The first step to applying for our homeownership program is to learn general information about how our program works. Please choose from the two options below:
Join us for an in-person information session at our admin office to learn about the qualifications and process of the program. At the end of the meeting, you will be given an application form if you choose to proceed. You can sign up for this IN-PERSON SESSION using the RED button.
OR...
You can view a PowerPoint presentation to learn about the qualifications and processes of the program. At the end of the presentation, you will be asked to take a 10-question quiz to ensure you have read and understood the information. If you answer 7 of the 10 questions right, you will receive an email with the application to our program. If you answer less than 7 questions correctly, you will be asked to reread the information and try the quiz again.
To view the PowerPoint, please choose the BLUE button for our TRADITIONAL FAMILY HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM or use the GREEN button for our SENIOR COTTAGE HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM.
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Who can apply?
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U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents
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Background Check: You will need to pass a criminal background check.
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Financial Stability: You should be able to afford homeownership and have a stable income.
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Housing Need: You should have a genuine need for housing.
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Willingness to Partner: You need to be ready to work with us in building your future home.
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Financial Requirements
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Steady Income: You should have consistent income history for the past 2 years in the U.S. With at least 12 months of steady income from your current job or income sources.
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Self-Employed: If you're self-employed, you'll need two years of tax returns showing your income.
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Credit and Savings Requirements
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No Credit Score Requirement: We don't require a specific credit score.
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Old Debts: Any old debts like collections and charge-offs must be under $2,000 when you apply and must be resolved within 12 months of joining the program.
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Payment History: We look at your recent payment history on things like rent, utilities, loans and other expenses. This includes monthly loan payments and estimates for deferred student loans.
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Bankruptcies must have been discharged or dismissed for 2 years for Chapter 13 and 3 years for Chapter 7.
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Check Your Credit: You can get a free copy of your credit report at annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.​
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Savings
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Closing Costs: You'll need to save a minimum of $1,500 for closing costs within about 12 months.
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Additional savings for an emergency fund.
Click the below link for the Traditional Family Homeownership information presentation.
Click the below link for the Senior Cottage Homeownership Information presentation.
(Applicant or Co-Applicant must be at least 55 years of age.)
Click the below link to sign up for an IN-PERSON Information Session.
Please review the chart for general income guidelines. These are subject to change, and having income within these guidelines does not guarantee eligibility.
Housing Needs
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Income: Your income should be within the current household limits (check the chart for details)
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Priority: We prioritize those with extra housing challenges, like paying more than 30% of your income on rent, living in overcrowded conditions, staying in temporary homes, being in unsafe environments and needing a home that's accessible for someone with a disability.
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Evaluation: If you qualify financially, we'll do a home visit to see your need better.
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Homeownership History: You shouldn't have owned a home in the last 2 years or had a foreclosure in the last 7 years.
Willingness to Partner
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Financial Readiness Classes: You'll need to attend several classes about financial responsibility.
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Sweat Equity: Be ready to volunteer to help build your home and others. This can also include volunteering at the Habitat ReStore or Habitat events.
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Flexibility: Be open to the location and design of the homes we have available.
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Resident of Sumter County for 12 months.
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Must be willing to live in Sumter city limits where all homes are constructed.