Homebuyer Program
Strong and stable homes build strong and stable communities.
Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity offers two pathways to affordable homeownership—both grounded in partnership, preparation, and long-term stability.
Whether purchasing a home built by Habitat or one made affordable through our fast-track option, future homeowners are active participants in the process. Each buyer completes our Homebuyer Program, which includes education, volunteer hours, and financial preparation.
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Habitat homeowners don’t receive a home—they earn it. Through this journey, individuals and families build strength, stability, and the foundation for a brighter future.
Purchase a Habitat-Built Home
Traditional Habitat-built homes are newly constructed by Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity, often with future homeowners working alongside staff and volunteers during the build process. These homes are sold at their appraised value, with monthly mortgage payments set to ensure housing costs do not exceed 30% of the buyer’s gross income. The full process—from program acceptance to closing—typically takes 12 to 18 months.
Purchase a Fast-Track Habitat Home
Fast-track homes are existing homes made affordable through partnerships with municipalities, developers, or other partners. While buyers do not participate in the construction process, they still complete our full Homebuyer Program, including financial education and volunteer requirements. These homes are sold at the price paid by Habitat and often have strict income minimums and maximums to ensure long-term affordability. The purchase timeline is typically shorter, with closing occurring 60 to 90 days after program acceptance.
Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity provides equal housing opportunity to all.
Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity has pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. Policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
Here are answers to the questions we hear most.
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How do I get a Habitat-built house?Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity does not give away homes. We provide a hand up, not a handout. You will be purchasing your home, and we work with you to make sure you have an affordable housing cost after purchasing the home. Each applicant must agree to partner with us in the program, which includes providing all documentation needed as well as attending homebuyer education classes and completing volunteer "HIP-hour" requirements.
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Are Habitat homes free?No, Habitat homeowners purchase their home, and pay an affordable mortgage.
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When will you accept applications again?At this time, we do not have a date set for our next application period.
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How much does a Greater Matthews Habitat mortgage cost?Your mortgage payment (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) will be no more than 30% of your gross monthly income. This helps to ensure that you are able to continue making payments on your home while having enough remaining income to provide a healthy, stable life for you and your family.
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What is meant by "ability to pay"?Must be able to afford monthly mortgage payments Debt-to-income ratio has to be lower than 13% Stable income of at least $45,000 a year but less than 80% of the AMI based on family size.
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Do I need enough savings for a down payment?No. We consider the required 150 volunteer "HIP-hours" as down payment. However, you are required to cover closing costs.
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What do you mean by "family"?Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity understands that there are many types of families, and all are welcome to apply to our program. You determine who your family is. Just a few examples of family are: an individual applying alone, a married couple with children, a single parent, a non-married couple, or a family that includes aunts, uncles, or parents. Unless there are circumstances outside of your control, you must have lived with all the household members shown on your application for at least 6 months.
Need more help?
Send a message to our Homeowner Services Department.
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How do I get a Habitat-built house?Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity does not give away homes. We provide a hand up, not a handout. You will be purchasing your home, and we work with you to make sure you have an affordable housing cost after purchasing the home. Each applicant must agree to partner with us in the program, which includes providing all documentation needed as well as attending homebuyer education classes and completing volunteer "HIP-hour" requirements.
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Are Habitat homes free?No, Habitat homeowners purchase their home, and pay an affordable mortgage.
-
When will you accept applications again?At this time, we do not have a date set for our next application period.
-
How much does a Greater Matthews Habitat mortgage cost?Your mortgage payment (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) will be no more than 30% of your gross monthly income. This helps to ensure that you are able to continue making payments on your home while having enough remaining income to provide a healthy, stable life for you and your family.
-
What is meant by "ability to pay"?Must be able to afford monthly mortgage payments Debt-to-income ratio has to be lower than 13% Stable income of at least $45,000 a year but less than 80% of the AMI based on family size.
-
Do I need enough savings for a down payment?No. We consider the required 150 volunteer "HIP-hours" as down payment. However, you are required to cover closing costs.
-
What do you mean by "family"?Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity understands that there are many types of families, and all are welcome to apply to our program. You determine who your family is. Just a few examples of family are: an individual applying alone, a married couple with children, a single parent, a non-married couple, or a family that includes aunts, uncles, or parents. Unless there are circumstances outside of your control, you must have lived with all the household members shown on your application for at least 6 months.