Home Buyer Program

Building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter

Through our homebuyer program, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.

Qualifications

To apply for the homeownership program with North Central Georgia Habitat:

  • You must be a US citizen or permanent legal resident.
  • You must be a first-time homeowner.
  • You must live or work in Cherokee, Forsyth, Dawson or North Fulton County for at least one year. We don’t currently build in North Fulton County.
  • You have a steady, verifiable source of income for at least 24 months at the income level required on the chart below based on your family size.
  • Your household income before taxes must be within the following limits:
Number of People Living in the Home Income Before Taxes Not Less Than Income Before Taxes Not More Than
1 $32,000 $63,900
2 $36,560 $73,100
3 $41,120 $82,250
4 $45,680 $91,350
5 $49,360 $98,700
6 $53,000 $106,000
7 $56,680 $113,300
8 $60,320 $120,600

Source: FY 2025 HUD Income Limits

Qualifications

To apply for the homeownership program with North Central Georgia Habitat:

  • You must be a US citizen or permanent legal resident.
  • You must be a first-time homeowner.
  • You must live or work in Cherokee, Forsyth, Dawson or North Fulton County for at least one year. We don’t currently build in North Fulton County.
  • You have a steady, verifiable source of income for at least 24 months at the income level required on the chart below based on your family size.
  • Your household income before taxes must be within the following limits:
Number of People Living in the Home Income Before Taxes Not Less Than Income Before Taxes Not More Than
1 $32,000 $63,900
2 $36,560 $73,100
3 $41,120 $82,250
4 $45,680 $91,350
5 $49,360 $98,700
6 $53,000 $106,000
7 $56,680 $113,300
8 $60,320 $120,600

Source: FY 2025 HUD Income Limits

Selection Criteria

We review every application carefully, and select applicants based on three criteria.

1. Need for Housing

  • Your present housing is not adequate (unsafe, not maintained, overcrowded, and/or unaffordable).
  • You are unable to obtain affordable housing through other conventional means.

 

2. Willingness to Partner

  • You agree to complete 200 hours of sweat equity. Sweat equity hours are earned by helping to build your and other families’ homes alongside volunteers.
  • You agree to complete all assigned homeowner education.
  • You plan to fulfill your partnership with Habitat after purchasing the home by:
    • Paying your mortgage on time
    • Maintaining your home and lawn
    • Observing all county and city ordinances and Habitat covenants
    • Being a good neighbor
    • Being a good representative of Habitat for Humanity

3. Ability to Pay

  • Your income is enough to pay the monthly mortgage, including taxes and homeowner’s insurance, in addition to your other bills
  • Your income and work history is stable and verifiable.
  • You have good credit (based on your credit report, NOT your credit score).