deserves a place to call home
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Habitat Greensboro give homes away?
No. Habitat Greensboro provides qualifying households the opportunity to purchase affordable homes.
How many homes has Habitat Greensboro built?
Since 1987, Habitat Greensboro has built and renovated more than 500 homes in the city of Greensboro, NC.
How do I apply?
Submit a completed application and required documents during the enrollment period.
What are the income guidelines?
Household Size | Maximum Income |
---|---|
1 | $46,500 |
2 | $53,150 |
3 | $59,800 |
4 | $66,400 |
5 | $71,750 |
6 | $77,050 |
7 | $82,350 |
8 | $87,650 |
The income guidelines for Greater Greensboro, are defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These figures include many forms of income: employment, public assistance, Social Security, disability, child support, etc.
How long does it take to complete the process for purchasing a Habitat home?
The process can take 12 months to 18 months from beginning to end. The process starts when you apply for a Habitat home and finishes when you and your family move into your new home.
Do applicants have to have children or be married to purchase a home through Habitat Greensboro?
No. Applications are selected on three criteria:
- Need for adequate housing
- Willingness to partner with Habitat Greensboro
- Ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan
Habitat Greensboro is an equal housing opportunity provider that does not discriminate for any reasons related to race, sex, national origin, religion, familial status, handicap, or color.
What types and sizes of homes are available?
Habitat Greensboro builds one-story homes with 2 bedrooms with 2 baths, 3 bedrooms with 2 baths, 4 bedrooms with 2 baths, or 5 bedrooms with 3 baths.
All homes have central air conditioning and heating and are Energy Star qualified, which means they meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Are Habitat Greensboro homes safe and energy-efficient?
Yes, all the homes we build are safe and energy efficient. Our homes are Energy Star qualified, that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Our homes are constructed using green building standards, producing energy efficient homes that protect the environment and reduce utility bills.
Additionally, each home passes a city and state building inspection prior to closing.
What is expected of a homebuyer once approved?
Homebuyers are expected to complete the required sweat-equity hours in building their home and others, pay modest closing costs, and attend homeowner education classes with the affiliate. (Education classes are counted toward required sweat equity hours)
What is sweat equity?
At Habitat sweat equity is a program requirement and is the homebuyer investing in their home or one for another family. Sweat equity is not a form of payment, but an opportunity to work alongside volunteers who give their time to bring to life a family’s dream of owning a home.
Sweat equity can take many forms that include construction work on the homebuyer’s home or on a home for another family, cleaning up the build site, working in a Habitat ReStore, assisting in administrative duties, or countless other ways of helping out.
Program Sweaty Equity Requirements:
200 hours (Recycled Homes & Veterans) and 250 hours (New Homes)
Can family members and friends pitch in to meet the required sweat equity hours?
Yes, family members and friends can help and are encouraged to pitch in. Their work counts toward your required sweat equity hours.
How does Habitat Greensboro pay for construction costs?
Habitat Greensboro relies on the support of sponsors, donors, volunteers, and Habitat homeowners in process to help build homes.
Does Habitat Greensboro make money on the homes built?
No, Habitat does not make money on the homes we help build. Instead, monthly mortgage payments are used to help us build more Habitat homes for hardworking families.
How do you Calculate Mortgage Payments? (For New Homes & Recycled Homes)
For both new and recycled homes the monthly mortgage payments are calculated based on the home buyer’s income at the time of closing in conjunction with appraised home value. (Loan Terms do not to exceed a 30 years)
If I complete this process, can I customize my Habitat home?
At the beginning of the building process, you can choose the cabinet and shutter colors, the type of flooring and other options.
Yes, for homebuyers that complete the process, after you close on your home and move in, there are other changes you are able to make, such as paint colors on the inside.
There are some restrictions, which will be addressed during the orientation process.