Every day, Habitat Charlotte Region partners with qualified families and individuals like you to provide comfortable, high-quality homes with affordable mortgages.
For households throughout the US, owning a home provides a stable foundation for building a better life - from increased financial stability and improved quality of life to creating a sense of home and community involvement.
Habitat Charlotte Region believes that everyone deserves a safe, comfortable place to live, and this is reflected in the thoughtful design, craftsmanship and expertise that we put into our house plans.
Habitat’s Homebuyer Program currently offers:
In greater Charlotte’s challenging real estate market where home prices, interest rates and down payment requirements are all rising, achieving homeownership might seem like an impossible dream. At Habitat Charlotte Region our Homebuyer Program can help families and individuals who work or live in Mecklenburg County (with the exception of Mint Hill and Matthews), Iredell County, and Gaston County turn their dream of owning an affordable home into reality.
Benefits of owning a Habitat home include:
Before applying to our Homebuyer Program, prospective homeowners become mortgage ready by participating in Habitat’s unique Pathways and Partners financial literacy curriculum.
Pathways and Partners is designed prepare families for homeownership, no matter their current financial situation. Through personalized financial education and support, we work with trusted partners to guide participants toward better household financial management and improved money habits. Our dedicated team creates a customized plan that prepares potential homeowners for success.
Please note: Interested homebuyers are required to complete the Pathways and Partners Program before receiving an invitation to apply for homeownership. Completion of the Pathways and Partners Program does not guarantee application approval.
teaches financial fundamentals and builds skills necessary to make smart, informed financial decisions – from budgeting and saving, to understanding credit and managing debt. During this journey you’ll work with referral partners to increase your earning potential and overcome income obstacles that limit mortgage readiness.
helps households challenged with outstanding credit and delinquent debts. In this pathway, you’ll work with trusted partners and experienced credit counselors to develop a personalized plan to help regain control of your finances. Through improved debt management and strategies to maximize your income, this pathway sets you on a course toward a brighter financial future.
is tailored to address the specific aspects of your current financial situation. Even though you may meet general prescreening requirements, we still equip you with information to better understand and manage the expenses related to owning a home. Our financial partners and coaches arm you with the tools and knowledge needed to become a successful homeowner.
Once you participate in your pathway and all criteria are met, you’ll receive a formal invitation to apply to Habitat’s Homebuyer Program via email. We fondly refer to this process as “education BEFORE application.” While it enhances a person’s chances of approval, it does not guarantee it. You can prepare by reviewing our criteria below.
After submitting your application, the Habitat Charlotte Region team will follow up with our pre-approval decision via email – be on the lookout. Once pre-approved for the Homebuyer Program, you’ll meet with Support Staff to continue your homeownership journey through:
Habitat Charlotte Region’s vision is a world where everyone has a safe, affordable place to live and the need for housing looks different for everyone.
The ability for you to afford your mortgage is essential to qualifying for a Habitat home. We want you to thrive and flourish in your new home for years to come.
To financially qualify for Habitat’s Homebuyer program:
We encourage all applicants to pull their FREE credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com before applying so you are aware of your debts and what may be barriers to becoming pre-approved for the program.
Purchasing a home through Habitat Charlotte Region doesn’t require the same down payment a mortgage on the open market typically does. Instead of a down payment, Habitat families agree to partner with Habitat by:
Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of requirements and are subject to change upon board approval.
Depending on your determined Pathway, the timing can vary. Most participants complete their homeownership journey with Habitat Charlotte Region in 2 years.
If applicants do not meet our criteria for homeownership, and are not selected into the program, they will receive a letter with a description of the reason and a list of HUD approved Financial Counselors or a referral to another qualified organization. Applicants who have been declined are invited to re-enter the Pathways and Partners program for assistance.
Yes! We need program participants to have a valid and active email address in order to complete the Pathways and Partners registration process and upon completion, receive a link to apply. If you do not have an active and valid email address and need assistance, we encourage you to contact a digital navigator by calling 3-1-1.
After thorough review and evaluation, the Habitat Charlotte board approved to discontinue criminal background checks for the homebuyer and critical home repair program participants. However, sex offender checks will still be conducted for all program participants. This policy is effective as of December 1, 2024.
Approved applicants for our Homebuyer program must have Legal residence in the U.S. proven by a Permanent Resident Card, Naturalization Document or Birth Certificate or are a natural born citizen. However, anyone can participate in the Pathways and Partners program.
Absolutely. For questions or concerns regarding the application process, please email hbapplications@habitatCLTregion.org.
