Learn About Our Rutherford
County Area
Homeownership Program

Get Ready Program
Eligibility

a hand up , not a hand out

We do not give away free homes! We give local individuals and families the opportunity to purchase a home with an affordable mortgage.

Journey to Homeownership

Pre-Phase: Complete the Get Ready Class

Phase 1: Apply for the Homeownership Program.

Phase 2: Submit Requested Documentation

Phase 3: After all verification requirements have been met, upon approval,  advance to Phase 4 Homeownership.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for our program, applicants must meet the following requirements

Effective 2027, completion of the Get Ready Program within the last 12 months is required to apply for homeownership

Examples of housing need include living in a home with inadequate plumbing or electrical systems, structural damage, poor overall condition, overcrowding, temporary or unsafe housing, paying more than 30% of household income toward rent, or requiring an accessible home due to a disability.

Habitat requires applicants to have a stable and consistent source of income in the United States for at least two years. Employment with multiple employers during that period is acceptable; however, gaps in employment are not.

All income must be verifiable. Acceptable sources of income include employment earnings, Social Security benefits, pensions, disability benefits, alimony, and dependable child support payments. Habitat considers the income of all household members age 18 and older.

Applicants are required to provide documentation verifying income for the previous two years.

Please review our income guidelines to determine eligibility based on household size. Note HUD Income guidelines are subject to change at any time.

Applicants must have a minimum credit score of 620 and established credit history, demonstrated by at least 12 months of satisfactory payment history. Applicants using non-traditional credit sources must also provide documentation showing a minimum of 12 months of satisfactory payment history on at least 3 accounts.

Outstanding collections, judgments, and charge-offs are not permitted. If any collections, judgments, or charge-offs have been paid in full within 3 to 6 months prior to the application date, the applicant must also demonstrate at least 12 months of satisfactory payment history with the same or other creditors.

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies must have been discharged for a minimum of two years prior to the application date.

Applicants must be able to contribute savings equal to at least 1% of the home’s purchase price toward closing costs. For example, for a home valued at $375,000, the applicant would need to provide $3,750 in savings to cover closing costs.

Once you become a future homeowner, you must agree to partner with us. This includes completing the required number of partnership hours, attending homeowner education classes, volunteering on the construction site to help build your home and the homes of other future homeowners, and following additional Habitat policies and procedures. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.

View Full Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

2026/2027 Gross Income Guidelines