PRE-APPLICATION OPEN
The first step if you're interested in homeownership with Sumter Habitat for Humanity!
Information and pre-application will be available
September 2nd until October 2nd, 2026.
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.
Appointments will be scheduled from October 6th through October 30th, 2026
Tuesday through Friday, 9am-4pm.
Plan for 30-45 minutes to review all documents with staff.
Becoming a Habitat Homeowner
Step 1
Pre-Application
Complete the Pre-Application and then schedule an appointment to return it with all required documents (see Documents section below) at 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
The Selection Committee will visit you at your home to meet you, see where you are currently living, and discuss the program.
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
Your application will be presented to the Board of Directors of Sumter Habitat for Humanity for their final decision.
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 6 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
Housing Need
Higher priority is given to those with the following housing concerns:
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.
Willingness to Parner
Homeownership Program participant requirements include, but are not limited to:
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Completing sweat equity volunteer hours
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Participating in financial education classes
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Saving for home closing costs
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Demonstrating responsive, positive communication with Habitat
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Maintaining a great attitude and cooperation
Ability to Pay
Habitat homeowners sign for an affordable mortgage once their home and program requirements are done. We will look at several factors to determine if this is possible for you (see below).
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.
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, including the maximum household income for veteran applicants.
If your income is not between the two relevant numbers, you are not eligible for the Homeownership Program.
Traditional Home Income Guidelines
Updated August 2026
Having income between these guidelines does not guarantee approval.
Senior Cottage Income Guidelines
Updated August 2026
Having income between these guidelines does not guarantee approval.
Credit
We will check your credit history by running a credit report. You have the right to request a copy of your credit report.
You must have:
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a minimum credit score of 575
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less than $2000 in collections and charge off accounts at the time you submit this pre-application
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We will also calculate your Debt-to-Income ratio (DTI). Your DTI must be less than 57% and able to be lowered to under 43% before the closing on your home.
Meeting credit requirements 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.
All documents must be copies, no originals accepted. We will make copies at your appointment for a 25¢ per page fee.
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Color copy of Driver's License or State-Issued ID (for applicant & co-applicant)
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1040 IRS Tax returns (the first 2 pages) for the last 2 years (applicant & co-applicant)
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W2s or 1099 for last 2 years (applicant & co-applicant)
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Documentation of any other income you receive such as SS, SSI, disability, pension, child support, etc.
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Paycheck stubs from the last 60 days for ALL working people over 18 years of age that will live in the house, including applicant & co-applicant
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DD214 if applying for veteran income limits
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$40 Credit Check Money Order: this covers the cost of your credit and background checks. Fee due for both Applicant AND Co-Applicant, if applicable. MONEY ORDER ONLY
Ready to fill out your pre-app?
Click to download, then print.
Please write clearly.
You may also receive a printed copy at our office:
812 S. Guignard Dr. Sumter, SC
Office: Tuesday - Friday 9am-5pm
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
If you are selected to move to the next step, you will be scheduled to attend an information meeting where you will receive 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.