Homeownership
Helping families achieve safe, affordable homeownership through education, partnership, and an affordable mortgage.
Applications Closed for Madison, Limestone, and Jackson Counties
We are not accepting Homeownership Program applications for Madison, Limestone, or Jackson Counties at this time. Please check our Facebook page or this site for updates on future application windows.
The Habitat Home
What is a Habitat Home?
A Habitat home is a simple and decent dwelling, typically three to five bedrooms. These homes are sold on a 30-year, ZERO interest mortgage with affordable monthly payments.
The journey from family approval to closing takes approximately 18 to 24 months, during which families actively contribute through “sweat equity” or volunteer hours. Habitat homes represent strength, stability, and the collaborative effort of building a better future for our community.
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0%Interest mortgage
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30-yearMortgage term
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275–300Sweat equity hours
Eligibility
Homeownership Program Eligibility Overview
To be considered for the Habitat Homeownership Program, applicants must meet the following three criteria.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must live or work in the county in which they are applying.
- Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Get Ready
Preparing for an Application Window
When applications reopen, applicants must submit a complete application package. Incomplete applications will be denied.
Application Materials
- Completed Habitat application (provided during the application window)
- $35 application fee per adult* (money order or cashier’s check only) — *fee subject to change
- Certificate of Completion from an HFHRV Information Session (no more than 2 months old)
Identification
- Color copy of a valid ID for each applicant
- Copy of Social Security card or Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card) for each applicant
Financial Documents
- Bank statements from the most recent 2 months (must include bank name and applicant name)
- Statements for all accounts with the applicant’s name must be submitted
Proof of Income (as applicable)
- Employment wages: last 8 weekly paystubs, 4 bi-weekly, or 2 monthly
- Self-employment: last 2 years of federal tax returns (IRS Form 1040)
- Social Security / Disability: current award letter
- Child support: court order and proof of payment for the past 6 months
What to Expect
Application Process
The application process typically takes 2 to 3 months and includes four phases:
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I
Phase I · Application & Initial Financial Review
Habitat reviews completed applications and conducts consumer and investigative reports. Applicants then meet with Family Services staff to discuss next steps.
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II
Phase II · Additional Financial Review
A more detailed review of the applicant’s financial ability to repay the mortgage is completed. Additional documentation may be required.
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III
Phase III · Home Visit
Family Services conducts a home visit to assess the applicant’s housing need.
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IV
Phase IV · Committee & Board Review
Applications are reviewed by the Family Services Committee and, if recommended, presented to the Board of Directors for final approval. Upon Board approval, the family is officially welcomed into the Habitat program.
Please note: Habitat is unable to determine eligibility or confirm whether an applicant will qualify for the program without attendance at an information session and submission of a completed application. Please continue to check our website and social media pages for future updates regarding the application process.
Applicants
Ready to Apply?
If an application window is open, use the links below to apply and to pay your application fee.
Already a Habitat Homeowner?
Current Homeowners & Partner Families
Homebuyer Education Classes
Complete your required homebuyer education online at your own pace.
Paying Your Mortgage
Pinnacle Payments
If you receive your mortgage statements from Pinnacle Financial Partners:
- Pay online: pnfp.statementmanagement.com
- In branch: 409 Madison St SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
- By mail: Pinnacle Bank, PO Box 292487, Nashville, TN 37229-2487
- Phone: 1-800-262-7175
- Loan servicing: 1-888-512-1691, 8am–5pm CT, Monday–Friday
Habitat Payments
If you receive your mortgage statements from Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley:
- Pay online: use the payment form below.
- In person: check or money order at 400 Pratt Avenue NW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Make a Payment
Please use the form below to make a payment for your mortgage or application fee.
Questions? Contact Us
Not Quite Ready?
Let’s Bridge the Gap with A Bridge Home
A Bridge Home is our community education program designed to support individuals and families working toward housing stability and long-term success. Offered twice a year (January & August cohorts), the 13-week program covers home repair, budgeting, predatory lending, estate planning, homeowners insurance, and mortgage basics.
While A Bridge Home does not guarantee placement into Habitat’s Homeownership Program, it serves as a valuable preparation opportunity for anyone exploring homeownership or seeking to remain stably housed.
Questions?