Step 1: Orientation

• To receive an application, potential applicants are REQUIRED to attend one of several orientations throughout the year. See our Habitat Homeowner Orientation Schedule. The initial one page application received at the orientation needs to be returned to the Habitat office within three months of the orientation date.

Step 2: Habitat calculates your income and pulls a credit report.

• If income and credit meet our requirements, the applicant is invited to participate in step 3.

Step 3: Official in-office interview

Step 4: Application continues to be processed.

• Criminal background check, employment history, and rental history are verified.

Step 5: Family Selection Committee Home Visit

• Two members of the Family Selection Committee will contact applicant to set up a time to visit and interview at the applicant's current residence.

Step 6: If approved, start Habitat Partnership and begin to build home.

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The application process takes roughly 6-8 months. The sweat equity requirement takes 8-15 months. It generally takes about 1 1/2 to 2 years to complete the entire process, from the date of the application to the house closing.

If applicants do not meet Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte's criteria for homeownership, and are not selected into the program, they will receive a letter with a description of the reason and a referral to free credit counseling if necessary.

There is no limit to how many times an individual can apply for a Habitat home, so we encourage those applicants who don't make it the first or second time to reapply!

For more information, call our Orientation Hotline at 704.376.2054 x 2600.

Information on other home ownership programs can be found at www.socialserve.com