Apply

Applications Accepted
(March 1 - June 15)

Applications for Caldwell County Habitat’s Homebuyer Program are accepted from March 1 to June 15. Application packets are available online (to print) or at the Habitat Office and ReStore.

Interested applicants should carefully read and complete the application packet. Completed applications and all supporting documents must be submitted to the Habitat office by June 15. Verification of all income should accompany the completed application. Examples of income verification:

  • Current pay stubs
  • Social Security, Disability, or SSI letters
  • Child support verification or alimony letters showing the amount received over the past year
  • If you are self-employed, provide two years of recent tax returns 

Caldwell Habitat's Homebuyer Program is a detailed process with several steps. Once an application is received, an initial review is conducted. Applicants are informed of their application status within 30 days. 

Homebuyer Information Meeting (August)

Qualified applicants will receive an invitation to Habitat's Homebuyer Program Information Meeting, which is held in August. Attendance is mandatory to continue with the application process. During this meeting, applicants will gain a deeper understanding of the Habitat Homebuyer Program and have the opportunity to update their application files.

Applicant Interviews
(August - September)

Habitat's Family Selection Committee will arrange virtual interviews with qualified applicants who attended the Homebuyer Program Information Meeting. The committee will meet with applicants to gain a deeper understanding of their housing needs and their willingness to partner with Habitat through the Homebuyer Program.

Final Selection
(September)

Habitat's Family Selection Committee recommends applicants to Habitat's Board of Directors. The Board makes the final decision on the number of applicants who will be selected to participate in the upcoming Homebuyer Program. All applicants are notified by the end of September. The availability of housing spots determines the number of applicants accepted into the program. Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to consider reapplying next year. 

The Journey Begins!

Applicants approved for the Homebuyer Program begin their path toward becoming homeowners. During this process, they work on meeting their sweat equity obligations by building homes and taking part in homebuyer education. Furthermore, applicants must keep their income and creditworthiness steady throughout. After successfully finishing the program, construction on their home starts.

Homebuyer!

Applicants in the Homebuyer Program begin building their homes after completing their sweat equity requirements. Future homeowners customize their homes by choosing features such as the exterior vinyl color, flooring, cabinets, and many others. The construction process usually takes about 4 to 6 months. During this time, the future homeowner must keep their income and creditworthiness stable. Once their energy-efficient home is finished, they purchase it with an affordable mortgage.

Being a Habitat homebuyer involves responsibilities. Homebuyers take care of their homes using various skills they learned during the construction process. Like any mortgage, Habitat homebuyers make monthly payments until the house is fully paid off.

Habitat's path to homeownership demands time, dedication, and effort. This process aims to guarantee the long-term success of Habitat homeowners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caldwell County Habitat for Humanity?

Caldwell County Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to forming partnerships that empower individuals, families, and the community to build simple, decent homes collaboratively with families needing affordable housing. Habitat’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

How does it work?

Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of homeowner families. Habitat houses are sold to qualified applicants at no profit and are financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The monthly mortgage payments made by homeowners go into a revolving fund for Habitat for Humanity to construct more houses. 

Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to covering initial escrow costs and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners contribute hundreds of hours of their labor—known as “sweat equity”—into building their Habitat home and assisting with the homes of others. A single applicant must commit at least 300 hours, while a two-person applicant must contribute 600 hours.

Do I need perfect credit?

We do not expect applicants to have a flawless credit history. The Family Selection Committee considers the overall picture of each applicant and seeks individuals ready to accept homeownership responsibilities. We do not want to sell homes to applicants who cannot afford them. Applicants must demonstrate the ability and willingness to repay a Habitat mortgage, which is assessed through their credit history. Good credit implies paying all your bills on time each month and avoiding excessive debt. Your credit is your responsibility, and maintaining good credit is one of the most crucial steps for your financial health. A credit report records the personal financial transactions that comprise your credit history, including credit cards, car loans, personal loans, and negative items such as utility and loan collections, including student loans.

What if I have bad credit?

Homeownership is a significant responsibility. Habitat’s goal is to assist you in becoming a successful homeowner.

We cannot extend credit for purchasing a home if an applicant has excessive debt, multiple unpaid collections, active unresolved judgments, or liens. Applicants who have filed for bankruptcy previously should demonstrate a good credit history since the bankruptcy, and bankruptcies must have been discharged at least three years before the housing application. Certain requirements may be waived in cases of personal or natural disasters.
If homeownership is your ultimate goal but you’re not financially ready to apply just yet, here are some tools that can help.

Operation Hope offers free and confidential credit counseling. To learn more, please visit their website at https://operationhope.org/. The local branch of Operation Hope is located inside First Horizon Bank in Hickory. For further information, you can contact Niki Mullineaux at niki.mullineaux@operationhope.org or call 828-705-1198.  If you are concerned about your credit history, you can access one free copy of your credit report each year at www.annualcreditreport.com.