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Homeownership Program
No matter who you are or where you come from, everyone deserves a decent, safe place to live. Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County provides opportunities for families in need to build brighter futures for themselves and their children through the purchase of a home.
Through Habitat’s Homeownership Program, individuals who might not otherwise qualify for a traditional mortgage can still achieve the dream of owning a home.
How it Works
The Homeownership Program is designed for low to moderate income families to purchase a home with an affordable mortgage. Our families work hard to create a permanent solution to their housing struggles. Each Habitat partner family must complete hours of “sweat equity” to build their home and the homes of other Habitat families, work in our ReStore, and complete financial, budgeting, and credit education workshops.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
To qualify for Habitat homeownership, eligible applicants demonstrate an ability to make a monthly mortgage payment, have a household income within program limits, and a willingness to participate in the Habitat program.
2025-26 Income Guidelines
45%-80% AMI with a Minimum Income of $35,000 annually.
| Family Size | Annual Income |
| 1 | $35,000 – $53,400 |
| 2 | $35,000 – $61,000 |
| 3 | $38,616 – $68,650 |
| 4 | $42,891 – $76,250 |
| 5 | $46,322 – $82,350 |
| 6 | $49,753 – $88,450 |
| 7 | $53,184- $94,550 |
| 8 | $56,616 – $100,650 |
Debt Ratio — The total of all monthly loan payments, including estimates for deferred student loans and the future mortgage, must not exceed 36%.
Credit:
- Medical Collections Accounts must be less than $3,000
- Student Loans cannot exceed more than 1.5 years of your annual gross income
- No bankruptcies/foreclosures in the last five years
- Collections and charge-off balances or other old debt balances on credit reports must be less than $15,000 at the time of application and must be capable of being resolved before the purchase of the home
- No outstanding judgments
Rental History:
- Minimum 12-month rental history
Closing Costs & Emergency Savings:
- Ability to save $4,000
Willingness to Partner
Applicants must be willing and able to attend homeownership classes for several months on scheduled Tuesday and Thursday evenings and a few Saturdays. Volunteer to build their own home and/or others’ homes, and volunteer 25 hours in the Habitat ReStores. Habitat calls this “sweat equity.” (Accommodations can be made for applicants with disabilities).
Applicants must be willing to accept the location and design of homes Habitat has available at the time of Lot Selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Anyone and any family can apply- we are an Equal Housing Opportunity organization
What are the required qualifications?
- US Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident
- Live or in Work Forsyth County for over 12 months
- 1st Time Homeowner/ Have not owned a home within the last 3 years
- Have not previously owned a Habitat home
- Need for Housing
- Ability to Pay
- Save $4,000 to cover closing cost
- Meet Income Guidelines
- Reasonable Credit History
- Willingness to Partner
Do I still qualify if I don’t have great credit?
We don’t look at your credit score but we do look at your total amount of debt and annual gross income to determine your Debt-To-Income Ratio. Your Debt-To-Income Ratio cannot be over 36% in order to qualify for the program.
Do I still qualify if I am currently on Section 8?
Having Section 8 or receiving any other kind of housing voucher will not disqualify you automatically from the program. Although income verification is required, Section 8 is not considered as income and cannot be applied to your affordable Habitat Mortgage
How much will my mortgage payment be?
Mortgage Payments are Based on Affordability and Will Not Exceed 30% of Monthly Gross Income
When can I move into a Habitat home?
Typically it can take 18-24 months from the initial application process to a family purchasing and moving into a new home.
Please provide the best contact information.
Homeownership is within reach!
The “traditional” method of buying a house, especially in our growing area, doesn’t work for everyone. For many people in our community, qualifying through a mortgage lender, let alone saving for a down payment, just isn’t a reality.
Habitat homes are not given away; they are purchased through an affordable 30- year mortgage. Habitat Forsyth’s Program turns Homeowners in Progress into Home Buyers! Learn more here: