habitat resident requirements

As with any Habitat home, Weavers Grove Habitat homeowners must qualify for a Habitat mortgage, go through a rigorous screening process, and contribute hundreds of hours of sweat equity in lieu of a down payment. Habitat will assist in forming a joint Homeowners Association for the entire community and has educational programs to help new homeowners learn to manage homeowner responsibilities.

The application period for Weavers Grove has not been opened yet. If you want to be added to the interest list for this neighborhood or other Habitat communities in Orange County, you can fill out an interest form here.

Habitat Homeowner Profiles

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To buy a Habitat home at Weavers Grove, you must first meet the following criteria:

Any current legal residency status which allows the applicant the right to live / work in the U.S. and there is no immediate threat that the applicant will be deported including DACA Recipients and Temporary Protective Status
Lived or worked in Orange County, NC, for at least one year
Demonstrate a stable income for at least two years
Earn 30 to 80 percent of the area median income

In addition, you must be able to demonstrate that you live in overcrowded, substandard, and/or unaffordable housing. This criteria is in place to ensure that each Habitat home goes toward those who are in the greatest need but also who are ready for homeownership.

SWEAT EQUITY

In lieu of a down payment, all potential Habitat homebuyers must commit at least 275 hours of volunteer time to building their home and the homes of their neighbors. This requirement helps make future residents more committed to their homes by fostering a sense of pride and ownership. It is a hallmark of Habitat for Humanity.

Sweat equity can take multiple forms. You can help in the actual construction of the homes, you can volunteer at a local ReStore, or you can do some other type of community work. Educational courses (see below) also count toward the sweat equity requirement.

EDUCATIONAL COURSES

All potential residents must complete several homeowner education courses. These classes go over topics such as the financial responsibilities of becoming a homeowner, how to make basic home maintenance repairs, and how to run a successful homeowners association. The purpose of these courses is to empower each resident to become a knowledgeable and successful homeowner. All of these classes are taught by Habitat for Humanity staff and volunteer facilitators.

FINANCIAL SCREENING

All potential residents must be able to demonstrate that they can pay a monthly mortgage for their home. To do this, you must meet the following requirements:

An acceptable credit history and debt-to-income ratio
Ability to cover all closing costs
Ability to afford monthly mortgage payments, including property taxes and homeowners insurance
Ability to pay monthly dues to a homeowners association

BACKGROUND CHECK

All potential residents must undergo a criminal background check. Please note that a criminal history does not automatically disqualify you to participate in the program. We thoroughly review each report on an individual basis. Our goal is to ensure the safety and security of the entire community.