Habitat application process opens April 3
The Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Application process will be open Tuesday, April 3, and run through Monday, April 30, 2018.
There are four Homeownership Orientation Sessions scheduled throughout Anderson County for the purpose of providing information and distributing applications.
The first was held Tuesday, March 20, 10:00 – 11:30 at the Habitat Office, 111 Randolph Road, Oak Ridge:
Thursday, March 22, 6:00 – 7:30 at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 252 North Main Street, Clinton:
Saturday, March 24, 10:00 - 11:30 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1051 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge;
And ending Thursday, April 5, 6:00 - 7:30 at Lake City United Methodist Church, 220 Fourth Avenue, Rocky Top 37769.
During the Orientation specific information is shared about Habitat, the homeownership program and the application process.Homeowner Services Committee members will be on site and available to assist applicants by answering questions and assist with completing the application form.
The application process is very competitive, in that the Habitat Board of Directors will offer partnership to three families during this Enrollment Period.
All applicants must be an Anderson County resident, be a first time homebuyer, and meet the income eligibility guidelines. Selection is based on the ability to pay a mortgage plus living expenses; demonstrated need for housing; and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County.
Upon Habitat receiving a complete application, the first step in the process will be to determine if the applicant has the ability to pay a mortgage.
This involves evaluating sources of income, debt to income ratios, and reviewing credit history. If the ability to pay guidelines is met, the second step involves a home visit and household interview to evaluate the need for housing.
The home visit team seeks information to document substandard and unsafe living conditions; over-crowdedness; unaffordable housing cost, as well as other factors. The final step is an ongoing process that assesses the willingness of the applicant to partner with Habitat. Once approved the applicant must be able to pay a $1,500 deposit which goes towards closing costs, contribute towards volunteer labor, and participate in family support programs and homebuyer education classes.
Habitat looks forward to seeing perspective homeowners at one of the listed Orientation sessions. Those unable to attend any of the scheduled times, may call the office to set up an appointment to receive an orientation and an application. Completed applications with all required documentation will be processed in the order in which they are received. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application once it is received and processed. The deadline for this Homeownership Application process is 5:00 o’clock p.m. Monday, April 30, 2018. All applications must be postmarked on or before April 30.
Please call the Director of Homeowner Services at (865) 482-7713 with questions or concerns regarding the Homeownership Program or process. Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical nonprofit that builds, rehabs, and repairs homes for income eligible families. We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of the U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunities. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.