How to Apply
Review the key eligibility criteria and application process to be considered for our first-time homebuyer program offering qualified individuals and families the opportunity to attain affordable homeownership through building and purchasing quality, energy-efficient homes.
Notice
The Homebuyer Interest Form opens at 9:00 am on the first Monday of each month.
Program Requirements
Our first-time homebuyer program offers qualified applicants the opportunity to build and buy an affordable, energy-efficient home in select neighborhoods in Atlanta and South Fulton County. Homebuyers purchase a new home with a 30-year, zero-interest mortgage.
In order to be eligible, you must:
- Be a first-time homebuyer or fall within certain exceptions
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S. who has lived or worked in one of the following counties for the past year: Fulton, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Henry, or Paulding
- Household size of one to eight people
- Meet income guidelines – based on area median income. We consider all sources of predictable income including employment, etc. Income designated for support of children is only considered for 14 yrs and younger
- Meet savings requirement of maintaining a daily balance of $500 for at least six months in a bank account
- Demonstrates willingness to partner and be truthful with Atlanta Habitat at all times
Credit Requirements (we will review your tri-merge credit report from Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian):
- Overall payment history is considered
- Credit score is not considered
- Medical bills are not considered unless there is a judgment
- A bankruptcy must be four years past discharge before applying
- Annual debt-to-income ratio less than 15%, and monthly debt-to-income ratio less than 41%
- Total past due non-medical debts cannot exceed $400. These debts must be paid in full within 30 days of approval
Learn more about credit:
The 5 Steps to Approval
Watch the Information Session video & fill out an interest form
Watch the Information Session video and complete the interest form.
Meet with a Family Services team member
After you submit your interest form, a member of our team will contact you to schedule a virtual one-on-one appointment to determine whether you are ready to apply.
Complete an Application
Organize and bring copies of all required documents to your in-person application appointment. At your appointment, you’ll complete an application, your documents will be reviewed to determine if your application can proceed.
Family Selection Interview
Two members of the Family Selection Committee will contact you to schedule an in-home interview.
Decision
If approved you will start your Atlanta Habitat partnership: attend classes, pay your good-faith deposit, and begin working on your 250 sweat equity hours.
Questions?
Have questions about the approval process?
