Applying for the Program
The application process includes a written application and supporting documents (like tax returns, verifications of income, creditworthiness, employment, rent, etc.), underwriting (or the process used to determine if the buyer can afford a Habitat home and qualify for a mortgage), a home visit with the Selection Committee to determine the need for housing, and Board of Director approval. Due to COVID, Habitat may modify the application process to ensure the safety of volunteers, applicants, and staff.
All buyers are referred to as Partners on purpose. We must work together in partnership to realize Habitat’s mission of decent housing for all. This partnership begins at the time of application.
Applications must be returned in person by the applicant during office hours. Monday-Friday 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. Please call to schedule a time to submit your application, (865) 982-8717 option 4.
We will not process incomplete applications.
Applications are available:
- Print from blounthabitat.org
- Request by email tiffany@blounthabitat.org
- Pick-up at the ReStore– 548 N. Foothills Plaza Dr., 865-982-8717
- By mail
Application Assistance by appointment. Call 865-233-9111 to schedule.
Complete as much of the application as you can before the meeting.
Sweat Equity: What is that?
Buyers spend time in class, managing money, working at the ReStore, helping at special events, building homes, and volunteering in the community. This time is called Sweat Equity. There is no dollar value or refund for sweat equity if a homeowner is deselected or withdraws from the program.
Habitat requires Sweat Equity for many reasons:
- Communities and Partnerships work best when everyone plays a part.
- Builds community and creates connections between the buyer, Habitat staff, volunteers and the community.
- Neighborhood pride: Helping to construct homes gives a feeling of accomplishment and ownership.
- It gives the buyers an opportunity to meet their neighbors before they close.
- Build skills & knowledge to help deal with maintenance and repair issues.
Accommodations are made for buyers requiring special consideration.
Mortgage Financing
All buyers apply for select mortgage loans with Habitat’s assistance. Habitat buyers utilize third party mortgage loans through USDA Rural Development or FAHE JustChoice Lending. Homes are purchased with the affordable mortgage loan each buyer is eventually approved for. Habitat cannot sell a home to anyone who does not qualify for an affordable home loan.
Habitat uses a combination of affordable 3rd party mortgages, grants and Habitat subordinate loans to make each home as affordable as possible. Habitat defines affordable as 21-25% of the buyer’s gross monthly income.
Habitat Home Design
Habitat builds the best home we can while keeping the buyer’s needs in mind. We are not a custom builder but are committed to safe, decent and affordable homes. Sometimes the home design is influenced by characteristics of the lot and the community where it is located.
