Homebuyer Requirements and Responsibilities

How You Can Own a Home

Phase One

Each applicant must meet the following requirements in order to receive a pre-screen application:

If you meet these guidelines, please go to our application page, where you can get a copy of the application and the requirements.

Phase Two

Once your pre-screen application is approved, you will be scheduled to attend a homeownership clinic. At this meeting you will obtain more detailed information about the homeownership program, future build sites, and house design, as well as expectations and requirements. Please note there are NO exceptions for missing this informational clinic. If you cannot attend you will have to reschedule for the next session.

The application process has several areas of focus:

If you meet all of the above qualifications and have a successful home visit, you will receive an acceptance letter of preliminary approval.

Phase Three

Receiving preliminary approval does not guarantee you a home, there are additional steps that must be followed:

Sign and return preliminary approval letter

Each applicant must complete 25 hours of sweat equity in a timely manner. Those hours can be completed in the ReStore, the construction build site, or in our administrative office.

Accept partner community and selected address

If you have any questions, please contact the Habitat for Humanity of Athens/Limestone County office at 256.230.6001 or use the Contact Us button above.

Questions and Answers

Q: I am self employed. How would I verify my income?

A: You must use your income tax return from the past two or three years as proof.

A: I was once an Athens/Limestone County resident, but I moved to another state. I returned to live in the area. How long do I have to live there to qualify as a resident?

A: You must reside in Athens/Limestone County for at least one full year after your return.

Q: What type of credit rating is acceptable for your program?

A: Credit history will be rated on a case-by-case basis,; active judgements, liens, garnishments, collection accounts, etc., are not acceptable.

Q: Once I am qualified for the program and notified, how long do I have to complete my first 25 hours?

A: You hours must be done in a timely manner, and at anytime you can be disqualified from the program.

Q: Do I have the choice of selecting where I would like to have my house built?

A: No, but you do have the right to decline the location, and start over at the Pre-Screen Phase of the application.

Income Guidelines:

Note: Use gross income to determine total family income (Gross income is your income before taxes have been taken out).