Habitat homes are modest, well-built homes constructed by volunteers from the community and families selected by Habitat. Families finance their homes through zero interest loans from Habitat, and pay a monthly mortgage of around $425 to $450 which includes taxes and insurance. There is no down payment - instead, we require families to spend "sweat equity" hours helping to build their houses and those of their neighbors.

Four bedroom homes are approximately 1,200 square feet of living space while the smaller three bedroom homes are approximately 1,100 square feet of living space. All Habitat of Durham homes feature energy-efficient construction and include large covered front porches, central heating and air conditioning and all major appliances, including refrigerator, stove, washer and dryer.

Call Habitat for Humanity of Durham's office at (919) 682-0516 for a homeowner information packet. The packet will have information about Habitat and the qualifications for owning a home. Simply fill out the postcard and mail it back to Habitat if you are interested in applying for a home. This will place your name on a waiting list for the next mailing of applications. The application process may take up to 6 months.

Homeowner Application in English

Solicitud de Vivienda en Español

Homeownership Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen with a valid Social Security card or a legal permanent resident with a valid green card.
• Must be unable to qualify for a conventional mortgage for reasons such as bad credit or being unable to secure enough for a down payment..
• Must have lived and/or worked in Durham for 6 months.
• Steady employment with no more than two months gap between jobs or school, OR a regular income for the past two years (minimum income of $16,550 a year). Sources of income include: your job, SSI, AFDC, WIC and regular child support payments.
• Must have no unpaid judgments, no wages being garnished for bankruptcy. Non-Medical collections must be less than $1,500 and medical collections (unpaid hospital or doctors' bills) less than $2,000. A payment plan has to be set up on medical collections within thirty days after approval.
• Must be willing to do between 250 and 350 hours of "Sweat Equity" labor. This means to partner with Habitat and its volunteers to help build your home and other future Habitat homeowners' homes. This includes most SATURDAYS.
• Must be willing to attend budgeting classes and Homeowner Association Meetings.
• Must provide for your closing costs (1% of the total cost of your house; about $1050).
• Must allow Habitat to verify the information on your applications, pull a credit report and contact your references (landlord, employer, credit, criminal and personal).
• Must allow 2 home visits by members of the Family Selection Committee.