PRE-APPLICATION OPEN
The first step if you're interested in homeownership with Sumter Habitat for Humanity!
Read through the information carefully: everything is important.
Pre-application submission will be BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
You must call the office to schedule a time to submit.
No unannounced drop-offs will be accepted.
Submissions will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis beginning
April 1st, 2026 and running until our quota for applicants is filled.
Becoming a Habitat Homeowner
Step 1
Pre-Application
Complete and then schedule an appointment to return the Pre-Application with all required documents (see Documents section below) to the Habitat office. Habitat will review your pre-application and income documentation. If any required documents are missing, the pre-application will be returned without consideration until all required documents are submitted.
Step 2
Formal Application
If your income meets eligibility guidelines, you will come to the Habitat Office for a full application meeting. You will be told what other important documents will be needed.
Step 3
Home Visit & Good Faith Hours
The Selection Committee will visit you at your home to meet you and see where you are currently living. Afterwards, you will be asked to complete ten (10) “Good Faith Sweat Equity Hours” at our Construction site or ReStore.
Step 4
Selection Committee Review
Your application and all documentation will be reviewed by the Selection Committee and presented to the Board of Directors.
Step 5
Board of Directors Approval
After completing the application, supplying all requested documentation, and review by the Selection committee, your application will be presented to - and approved or denied by - the Board of Directors of Sumter Habitat for Humanity.
SUBMISSION OF PRE- OR FORMAL APPLICATION DOES NOT GUARANTEE APPROVAL.
Important note: the entire timeline from pre-application submission to board approval could take up to 5 months. Time from pre-application submission until you close on your home could be up to 2 years.
Qualifications
Review these qualifications for eligibility for our Homeownership Programs
Residency
You must have lived in Sumter County for the last 12 months, and be an American citizen, legal resident, or have the right to work in the United States.
Housing Need
Must include one or more of the following:
Substandard: You have broken plumbing, faulty/unsafe electrical service, poor heating, leaking roof, etc.
Unsafe: If there are multiple crime-related police calls in your neighborhood.
Cost Burdened: If your rental payments are 30% or more of your total income. Overcrowded: You are currently living in a house that is overcrowded.
Income
You must have a steady source of income that is between the minimum and maximum income for your family size. The below charts show the current income figures for Traditional and Senior Cottage. If your income is not between the two numbers, you are not eligible for the Homeownership Program.
Traditional Home Income Limits
Updated June 2025
Having income between these guidelines does not guarantee approval.
Credit
We will check your credit history by running a credit report.
You must maintain good credit.
You must have a minimum credit score of 575.
Any collections and charge off accounts should total less than $2000 at the time you submit your pre-application.
We will calculate your Debt-to-Income ratio (DTI). DTI must be less than 57% and able to be lowered to under 43% before the closing on your home.
You have the right to request a copy of your credit report.
Meeting credit requirements does not guarantee approval.
Senior Cottage Home Income Limits
Updated June 2025
Having income between these guidelines does not guarantee approval.
Documents
When you return your pre-application, YOU MUST BRING ALL THE FOLLOWING TO BE CONSIDERED. ANY MISSING DOCUMENTS MEAN YOUR PRE-APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
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Paycheck stubs from the last 60 days for ALL working people that will live in the house, whether they will be on the deed or not
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IRS Tax returns (the first 2 pages) for the last 2 years with matching W2s
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Documentation of any other income you receive such as SS, SSI, disability, etc.
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$40 Application Fee: this covers the cost of your credit and background checks. MONEY ORDER ONLY
After your pre-application is reviewed, if you are selected to move to the next step, you will be scheduled to attend an information meeting where you will be given a packet with the formal application, information on what additional documents you will need to provide, and how to schedule an appointment for submission of your full application.
Submission of pre- or formal application does not guarantee approval.
Ready to fill out your pre-app?
The downloadable brochure contains the above information and the pre-application.
Click to download, then print on LEGAL size paper (8.5" x 14").
Please print clearly.
You may also receive a printed copy at our office or ReStore:
812 S. Guignard Dr. Sumter, SC
Office: Tuesday - Friday 9am-5pm
ReStore: Tuesday - Friday 10am-6pm
Saturday 9am-3pm
DO NOT ARRIVE TO SUBMIT YOUR PRE-APPLICATION WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT.
To schedule your appointment, call the office at
803-775-5767 ext. 106 or 103