Homeownership is within reach!
Sumter Habitat for Humanity makes homeownership possible for those who meet the income qualifications, offering affordable mortgage loans to purchase homes built in partnership with Habitat.
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Eligibility
Eligible applicants will be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, meet criminal background check requirements, and have an ability to afford homeownership, a housing need, and a willingness to partner with Habitat as described further below. During each application period, additional criteria may apply.
Ability to Afford Homeownership
Eligible applicants will demonstrate ability to afford the monthly mortgage and household expenses by meeting the criteria below.
Income—Habitat requires a steady income history for the last two years in the United States with at least twelve months of history for current employment or income sources. Self-employed individuals must have at least two full year’s tax filings showing self-employment income. See the chart below for general income guidelines. These are subject to change, and having income within these guidelines does not guarantee eligibility.
Household Size | Minimum Annual Gross Income | Maximum Annual Gross Income |
|---|---|---|
1 | 14,580 | 35,950 |
2 | 19,720 | 41,100 |
3 | 24,860 | 46,250 |
4 | 30,000 | 51,350 |
5 | 34,700 | 55,550 |
6 | 37,250 | 59,600 |
7 | 39,850 | 63,700 |
8 | 42,400 | 67,800 |
Last updated June 20, 2023.
Credit—While Habitat does not generally have a credit score requirement, old debts such as collections and charge-offs must be less than $2,000 at the time of application and must be able to be resolved within 12 months of acceptance in the program. We also consider recent history or payments on rent, utilities, loans, and other expenses, and the amount of monthly loan payments, including estimates for deferred student loans. Bankruptcies must have been discharged or dismissed for two years for Chapter 13 and three years for Chapter 7. You can order a free copy of your credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com, or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
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Savings—Applicants must be able to save $1,500 for closing costs within approximately 12 months.
Housing Need
Applicants will demonstrate housing need by having an income within the current household limits (see chart). Higher priority is given to those with additional housing concerns such as paying rent higher than 30% of gross income, living in overcrowded conditions, temporary homes, unsafe environments, and needing accessibility for a household member with a disability. If qualified
financially, applicants will receive a home visit to further evaluate their need. Applicants should not have owned a home in the last three years nor had a foreclosure in the last seven years.
Sumter Habitat for Humanity serves families who live in Sumter County for the last 12 months. For Habitat affiliates in other areas, please visit www.habitat.org.
Willingness to Partner
Applicants must be willing and able to attend several homeownership classes, volunteer to build their home and/or others’ homes, and volunteer in the Habitat ReStore. Habitat calls this “sweat equity.” (Accommodations can be made for applicants with disabilities.) Applicants must also be willing to accept the location and design of homes Habitat has available.
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