there's no place like home

on the path to own

Thomasville-Thomas County Habitat for Humanity builds homes with people in our community and sells the houses at no profit and no interest to households who demonstrate financial responsibility and need. Our program also prepares partner families to be successful homeowners.

step 1 criteria

you must

Have a housing need.

For example, your current housing is unsafe, unsanitary or substandard. Conditions may include a leaky roof, poor heating or air conditioning, unsafe electrical or faulty plumbing.
It is overcrowded.
Your rent plus utilities cost more than 40% of your household gross monthly income.

Have lived or worked in Thomasville or Thomas County for at least one year.

Have one year of steady, reliable income.

Your household incomes fall between the guidelines.

The total income of all adults living in your household is between 40% and 80% of the Thomas County Area Median Income (AMI) adjusted for family size, as shown on the chart (right).

Have good credit.

You have a good credit history and can demonstrate the ability to pay your rent and other bill payments on time each month.

Agree to a credit and criminal background check.

See FAQs for specifics.

Agree to partner with Habitat for Humanity by completing sweat equity hours.

See FAQs for specifics.

Contribute a down payment of at lease $1000 towards the purchase of your home.

FAQs

What about my credit?

Applicants are encouraged to review their credit history by getting a free report from CreditKarma or Annualcreditreport before they apply. A typical minimum credit score is 630, however Habitat takes individual circumstances into consideration. If you have concerns about your credit history, you may schedule an appointment with a staff person who can help you understand your credit report and give you tips about how to increase your score.

Criminal background checks

Persons with a history of crimes against children, listed on the sexual offender’s list, or who have committed other major crimes, are not eligible for the Habitat program.

Earning sweat equity

Sweat equity is an exciting cornerstone to the Habitat program. Hours may be earned by working on the jobsite, in the ReStore or office, by completing other approved volunteer activities, and by completing the required Homebuyer Education courses.

How long does the program take?

The length of time it takes to complete the program varies and is really dependent on how quickly you can meet your requirements. On average, homeowner candidates take one year to complete our program. Some candidates have done it in half that time, and others have taken two or more years. To keep you on track, you are required to put in a minimum number of hours each month.

How much will my mortgage payments be?

The cost of your mortgage payments will depend on the value of the land and the size of the home. This cost includes property taxes and homeowners’ insurance.

What makes a Thomasville Habitat home affordable?

Because of volunteer labor and donations from organizations and individuals, Habitat homes are sold to homeowners at no profit. Also, they are financed with a zero-interest, 25- to 35-year mortgage.

What’s the impact of a 0% interest mortgage?

The traditional 30 year mortgage (left) has a 5% interest rate. For a $175,000 mortgage a homeowner will pay an estimated $163,197.62 in interest payments alone over the term of the loan for a total loan amount of $338,197.62! Habitat homeowners receive a 0% interest loan which saves $163,000 in interest payments over the life of the loan and makes the monthly payments affordable. Take a look at the chart below to see the difference in a zero-interest loan.

Does Habitat build custom homes?

Habitat does not build custom homes. Partner families must agree to accept a location assignment and house plan that is based on current availability and that takes into account family size and particular needs.

step 2 pre-qualify

Prequalification takes only a few minutes. You can fill out the online form (button below) or stop by our office at 125 Lester St. in Thomasville. If you successfully prequalify, you’ll receive a call and the process will move to Step 3, which will require a $50 credit application fee. If for some reason you do not prequalify, we encourage you to address the conflicting issues and reapply in six months.

PREQUALIFY NOW

step 3 in-person visit

Once you are pre-approved, you will be invited to submit a full application. You can pick up the forms at the office or receive them via email. Once you have filled out the form and have all the required documents ready to submit, call the office for an intake interview. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the program at that meeting.

step 4 approval

Applications are reviewed by office staff with a final determination of eligibility by a Family Selection Committee appointed by the Habitat Board of Directors. Approved applicants are then placed on a first come-first served wait list until the next construction project is available.

Staff will schedule an appointment for the family to sign a Partnership Agreement. Families must then begin earning sweat equity hours by first completing a HUD-approved Homebuyer Education workshop. Habitat staff will work with you to guide you through the exciting process of being assigned a house location and starting the construction of your home.