Can I select the location and size of house?
Berkeley Habitat homes are built wherever we have available lots. Berkeley Habitat assigns each family with the appropriate sized house. The size of a lot can be a key factor in determining the the size of house that will be built on the lot (i.e. a smaller lot can only accommodate a smaller home). Therefore, if a family requires a larger home than we have a lot to accommodate it, they may have to wait until a larger lot becomes available to build on.
Where do you build?
We build in various locations throughout Berkeley County. We do our best to honor a homebuyer's preference as to which part of the county they would like to live in, but the final decision is based on Berkeley Habitat's current land inventory and access to affordable land.
Are Habitat homes free/will I have to pay back a loan?
No. Habitat homes are not free. Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County lends an affordable, interest-free home loan to qualifying homebuyers that they are obligated to pay back over a 25 or 30 year term. The money that Berkeley Habitat homebuyers pay back is channeled into the construction of additional Berkeley Habitat homes for future qualifying families.
What is the cost of a habitat home?
The current total cost of a home by Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County is approximately $120,000 with monthly mortgage payments averaging from $550-$650 per month. This includes an escrow payment for homeowners insurance and property taxes, but does not include any utilities.
Is there a down payment?
There is no down payment required, but Berkeley Habitat homebuyers are required to cover the cost of the legal fees associated with the closing of their home. The costs incurred are approximately $2,500. Homebuyers will be responsible for making a $208 (approx.) deposit per month into their closing cost savings account so that they will have the necessary funds at the time of their closing.
If I have the required financial qualifications, I will be selected for a Berkeley Habitat home. Is this correct?
Not necessarily. During our homeownership selection process, out of all of the applicants who have the necessary financial qualifications and have been cleared on all background screenings, only the applicant who has been determined to have the greatest need for housing at that particular time will be selected for the next available property.
If I get accepted into the Berkeley Habitat homeownership program, I am guaranteed to get a home. Is this correct?
No, this is NOT a guarantee. All Berkeley Habitat homebuyers are pre-approved for a home loan from the time of acceptance into the homeownership program and as they are completing their homeownership program requirements. Qualifying for a Berkeley Habitat home is contingent upon a Habitat homebuyer successfully completing the homeownership program.
Do I have to be employed to qualify for a Habitat home?
No. We accept all stable sources of verifiable income (including SSI, SSA, etc.). For more information concerning our income requirements, please visit www.berkeleyhabitat.org/application-process.
Do I have to own land/will you build on my land?
Owning your own land is not a requirement. If you do own land, it may be possible to have a home built on your land, provided that you have a clear title to the property and that the request to build on the land has been reviewed and approved by the Berkeley Habitat board of directors.
The process to review and/or approve requests for Berkeley Habitat to build on a lot/land that is being provided by an applicant will occur only after the applicant has been approved/selected to participate in the homeownership program.
An applicant's ownership of land provides no advantage to becoming selected for the Berkeley Habitat homeownership program.
Do I have to have to have a "family" to qualify for a Habitat home?
No. All who have a housing need are welcome to apply, including those who are single.
How long does the homeownership program take to complete?
The length of time to complete the program and purchase a Habitat home will vary. But, typically, once approved for the program, it takes a homebuyer approximately 12-18 months to complete the homeownership program.
Does Berkeley Habitat repair existing homes?
Not currently. If you are in need of a home repair, we recommend Hope Repair, (843) 258-1199.
What is sweat equity?
Sweat equity is the single most important strategy Habitat for Humanity uses to empower homebuyers, and one of the features that sets us apart from other affordable housing providers.
We use the term “sweat equity” to refer to:
1.) The hours of labor that our homebuyers spend in helping build not only their home, but also other homebuyers' homes,
2.) The time that Habitat homeowners will invest in their own homeownership success through homeownership education workshops provided by Berkeley Habitat, and
3.) The time that homebuyers will spend participating in various Habitat events/functions.
Going beyond a mere financial investment in their property, Berkeley Habitat homebuyers become more personally invested in their community by performing sweat equity alongside other volunteers and future neighbors. Building their own home instills a sense of pride and ownership while also teaching skills that are necessary for maintaining their home.
Habitat homebuyers begin their sweat equity immediately after being accepted into the homeownership program, and they must complete all of their sweat equity hours before they can move into their home.
Can I go ahead and begin completing the required “sweat equity” hours in advance of being approved/selected?
No. Sweat equity hours are reserved for those who are in the Habitat homeownership program. However, you are always welcome to volunteer at Berkeley Habitat before you apply, to get a feel for the program.
I have filed for bankruptcy in the past, does this disqualify me?
If you have filed for bankruptcy in the last three years, you do not have the eligibility to qualify. If you have a bankruptcy that is over three years old, you may apply. However, documentation that the bankruptcy has been discharged will be required.
I applied for homeownership at Berkeley Habitat in the past and was denied. Can I reapply?
Yes! If you applied with us in the past and your application was denied, we encourage you to reapply...especially if the circumstances that led to your denial have improved.
I scheduled an application interview appointment, what happens now?
Your application interview appointment will be scheduled approximately three weeks out to give you the necessary time to compile the documents needed for your application interview. After you attend your interview on the scheduled date, your application will begin to be processed. A home visit is the next step in the application process. You will be notified if a home visit is required.
