Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian ministry that provides people with the life-changing opportunity to purchase and own quality, affordable homes. We are an equal opportunity/drug-free employer. For information on Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity go to www.hud.gov/offices/fheo or contact the local HUD office.
Under The Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Housing Law and Consumer Credit Protection Act: We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, disability, religion, national origin, family status or marital status, or because all or part of income is derived from any public assistance program.
Becoming a Habitat homeowner
How to qualify
Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian ministry that provides the life-changing opportunity for people to purchase and own quality, affordable homes. We accomplish this mission through volunteers and staff guided by Christian values.
Since our founding in 1985, Nashville Area Habitat has built more than 480 homes for purchase by families and individual who cannot afford a conventional home loan.
To qualify for a Nashville Area Habitat home, the following requirements must be met.
(Click headings below for more detail.)
Housing Need
- Have a demonstrated need for housing such as:
- Overcrowded space
- Homelessness
- Unsafe environment
- Rent burdened
- Temporary housing
- Does not meet accessibility needs
- Inadequate structure
- Unable to qualify for homeownership through other options
- Have lived or worked in Davidson, Dickson or Cheatham County for the last six months. For information about Habitat for Humanity programs and affiliates in other Tennessee counties, go to www.habitat.org
- Must be a first time homebuyer. (Have not owned a home in the last three years.) Requirement may be waived for May 2010 flood victims.
Ability to Pay
- Household gross income must be less than 60 percent of area median income as adjusted by household size. See chart below for maximum income level. (Subject to change.)
Habitat Maximum Annual Income (06/2011)
| Household Size | Maximum Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $27,840 |
| 2 | $31,800 |
| 3 | $35,760 |
| 4 | $39,720 |
| 5 | $42,900 |
| 6 | $46,080 |
| 7 | $49,260 |
| 8 | $52,440 |
- The ability to afford approximately $450–$550 for a monthly mortgage payment. This includes principal, taxes, and insurance. Habitat loans do not charge interest. The mortgage should not exceed approximately 30 percent of the applicant’s gross monthly income. A minimum gross income of approximately $1500/month is needed to afford this payment.
- Must have steady income for the last two years and any current income or employment has to have been received for six months or more.
- Ability to contribute at least $2,500 towards closing costs within six to nine months.
- Have a debt-to-income ratio under 40 percent.
- Ability to pay off any collections, judgments, or charge-offs listed on the credit report within approximately six to nine months before closing.
- Bankruptcies must have been discharged for at least one year for Chapter 13 and two years for Chapter 7.
Willingness to Partner
- Willingness to invest “sweat equity” hours to include building on the home with volunteers and attending homeownership classes. Accommodations can be made for clients with disabilities.
- Willingness to accept the location and design of the homes we have available.
Do you think you might qualify for a Habitat Home?
- Get started on the application process by filling out a Questionnaire and mailing it to our office!