Traditional Habitat-built homes are newly constructed by Greater Matthews Habitat, often with future homeowners participating in the build process alongside staff and volunteers. Existing Habitat homes are either previously constructed by Habitat or made affordable through partnerships with developers and municipalities. While the home type may differ, both paths follow the same core process: income qualification, financing through our approved lender, completion of the Home Buyer Program, and a commitment to long-term housing stability.

Yes. All Greater Matthews Habitat homebuyers complete volunteer and education hours as part of our Homebuyer Program. Fast-track buyers typically complete less hours in a shorter timeframe prior to closing.

The traditional program usually takes 12–18 months from acceptance to closing. Fast-track purchases are typically completed within 60–90 days after acceptance.

Not necessarily. Traditional Habitat-built homes are sold at their appraised value. Fast-track homes are sold at the price paid by Habitat, which may be different from the appraised value. Both programs include reduced interest rates and aim to keep housing costs affordable. While both programs have a required income minimum, fast-track homes typically have a higher minimum income due to fixed costs and shorter timelines. This helps ensure the buyer can comfortably afford the monthly payments.

For both type of homes, monthly housing costs—including mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any applicable HOA fees—are structured so they do not exceed 30% of the buyer’s gross monthly income. However, fast-track homes typically require a higher minimum income because the purchase price and timeline are fixed, leaving less flexibility in how payments are structured. Traditional Habitat-built homes may allow for more flexibility in aligning costs with a broader range of incomes.