Program Requirements
Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County works with many community and national partners. Volunteers help build Habitat homes, making our homeownership program possible. Without the help of our partners, we could not build and sell affordable houses in Berkeley County. Homeownership program participants are treated as our partners, and we are committed to working in partnership with them in order to make their dream of homeownership a reality.
Homeownership Program Requirements
Those who are selected to participate in the program will be required to sign a partnership agreement with Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County. This will commence their journey in the homeownership program. All who are not selected will be denied and asked to try again during our next homeownership program selection period as it becomes available.
The two primary program requirements are to complete all required sweat equity tasks, and accrue total required closing costs.
Sweat Equity
Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County requires that each single adult family complete 250 hours of sweat equity and every multiple adult family complete 500 hours of sweat equity. See below for sweat equity requirements:
Single Adult Family Sweat Equity Requirements:
- 150 hours on the build site, on your home and the homes of other Habitat families
- 50 hours in the ReStore
- 50 hours in donated hours from friends and family in construction and ReStore
- Homeownership education workshops
- Habitat sponsored and other community events
Multiple Adult Family Sweat Equity Requirements:
- 300 hours on the build site, on your home and the homes of other Habitat families
- 100 hours in the ReStore
- 100 hours in donated hours from friends and family in construction and ReStore
- Homeownership education workshops
- Habitat sponsored and other community events
Applicants cannot begin these hours before going through the homeownership selection process
Please note: Many people fear that they cannot complete the required hours due to age, disability, or conflicting work schedule. We do our best to work with your ability and schedule. Sweat equity hours are mandatory.
**Every Habitat homebuyer must complete their required sweat equity hours before moving into their home.
Closing Costs
Homebuyer(s) contribute a minimum of $2,480.00 in closing costs. The closing costs funds will be used to pay all lawyer fees in the closing of the house and the first year of homeowners insurance.
**Every Habitat homebuyer must accrue the entire closing costs in order to close on their home.
Homeownership Application
Upon successful completion of the homeownership program, and approx. six weeks prior to build completion, program participants will be responsible for completing/submitting an application for homeownership in order to become qualified for the Habitat home loan.
