About Homeownership at Habitat Chattanooga
Owning a home is a dream for many, but for some, it can feel out of reach due to financial barriers, uncertainty about the process, or a lack of resources. At Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to live. Our homeownership program is designed to help individuals and families with low-to-moderate incomes achieve this goal. By offering an affordable path to homeownership, we empower future homeowners with the tools, education, and support needed to build a brighter future. If you are ready to start your path to homeownership with Habitat, review our eligibility guidelines and start your journey.
Eligibility Guidelines
To qualify for our Program, we look at three things…
A Need for Housing
The Ability to Pay
The Willingness to Partner
Need for Housing
Applicants must have a housing need. Examples of housing need include:
- Low income/ high housing costs
- Unsafe dwelling
- Overcrowded conditions
- Homelessness
- Unsafe surroundings
- Home cannot accommodate the needs of a disabled household member
- Do not qualify for a traditional mortgage
Ability to Pay
Applicants will buy their homes from Habitat for Humanity. They must have the ability to pay a 30 year, 0% interest rate mortgage. The mortgage payment includes principal, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance.
Requirements:
- Must have had steady income in the United States for at least 24 months
- Must demonstrate ability to make regular payments for rent, utilities, etc.
- Must be a resident of Hamilton County for at least 12 months
- Must be able to make regular monthly deposits into an authorized savings account for closing costs
- Cannot have been in bankruptcy in the past 24 months
- Cannot have owned a home in the last 36 months
- Cannot have $2,000 or more in collections, charge-offs, or outstanding judgments on Credit Report
Willingness to Partner
Once selected by Habitat for Humanity, applicants become a Habitat Partner Family. Partner Families must complete the minimum required hours of volunteer work with Habitat called “Sweat Equity” before moving into their home:
- 200 hours for Individuals with Disabilities
- 300 hours for Singles
- 400 hours for Couples (Applicant & Co-Applicant)
What is Sweat Equity?
Sweat equity refers to the actual hands-on involvement of prospective homeowners in the construction of their homes, as well as in other Habitat and community activities.
Homeowner Education Classes
Partner Families also attend education classes to complete their sweat equity hours. These classes are designed to prepare families to build, own, and maintain their new home.
We want families to succeed as homeowners!
Application Process
Our Homeownership Program accepts applications during specific periods announced by Habitat Chattanooga. During the designated application period, interested individuals are invited to complete an online Pre-Qualifying Questionnaire, which serves as the initial step in the process.
All interested applicants are encouraged to watch the following Habitat Homeownership Information Videos below prior to submitting a Pre-Qualifying Questionnaire.
