Homeownership is within reach!

Habitat for Humanity of Stokes County makes homeownership possible for those who meet the income qualifications, offering affordable mortgage loans to purchase homes built or renovated by Habitat.

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.

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Homeownership Red Door

Ability to afford homeownership

Eligible applicants will demonstrate ability to afford the monthly mortgage and household expenses by meeting the criteria below.

Income Limits

Income — Habitat requires steady income history for the last two years in the United States with at least six months of history for current employment or income sources. Self-employed individuals must have at least one full year’s tax filing showing self-employment income. See the chart below for general income guidelines. Your family income limits must not be greater than the number listed below for your family size.  These are subject to change, and having income within these guidelines does not guarantee eligibility.

Household Size Maximum Family Income
One

$43,150

Two

$49,300

Three

$55,450

Four

$61,600

Five

$66,550

Six

$71,500

Seven

$76,400

Eight

$81,350

Credit — Old debts such as collections and judgments must be less than $2,000 at the time of application and must be resolved before the purchase of the home.  An additional $2,000 of medical collections may be allowed if making payments on these. We also consider recent history of 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 one year for Chapter 13 and two 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.

Savings — Applicants must be able to save approximately $1,500 for closings costs within roughly six months.

Housing need

Applicants will demonstrate housing need by having an income below the current household limits (see chart above).  Higher priority is given to those with additional housing concerns such as living in overcrowded conditions, temporary homes, or unsafe environments; needing accessibility for a household member with a disability; or paying rent higher than 30% of income. If qualified financially, applicants will receive a home visit to further evaluate their need. Applicants can not have owned a home in the past three years nor had a foreclosure in the last three years (exceptions may be granted for disaster victims). Habitat for Humanity of Stokes County serves those living in Stokes County for at least six months.

Willingness to partner with Habitat

Applicants must be willing and able to attend homeownership classes, volunteer to build their own home and/or others’ homes, and volunteer in 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. Current details are provided at Information Meetings, and attendance is required before or during the application process. 

Click to review the application.