Become a Homeowner

Thinking about homeownership with Habitat?

Before applications open, we want to help you Get Ready.

Join us for a free Get Ready Class on Saturday, June 13, 2026. We'll walk you through the Habitat homeownership process, eligibility requirements, and what to expect when applications open this fall — including homes in The Hudson.

Two sessions available — 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM
327 Sumner Hall Dr, Gallatin, TN 37066 (Door located at the back of the building)

Spots are limited to 20 per session.

Please note that attending this class does not guarantee acceptance into the program all participants must apply and meet eligibility requirements during the official application cycle, anticipated to open Fall 2026.

Attend A Session

Habitat’s model creates a cycle of community investment putting home mortgage payments to work building more homes.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Strong and stable homes build strong and stable communities.

Working in partnership with local families, Habitat creates opportunities for homeownership.

Future Habitat homeowners are active participants in the homebuilding and home buying process. The foundation of our unique program is working in partnership with families seeking the strength, stability, and independence that homeownership provides. Habitat homeowners build and buy their very own homes, creating brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Eligibility Criteria

In need of improved housing

Eliminating substandard housing is a core tenet of Habitat for Humanity.

Future homeowners must show a need that can be determined by many factors such as:

  • overcrowding

  • unsafe or unhealthy living conditions

  • rental costs that exceed 30% of monthly household income

Willing to partner with Habitat

Future homeowners are active participants in the construction process and are positive representatives of Habitat in the community.

All future homeowners are required to complete a minimum of 200 hours per adult buyer as part of that partnership, working alongside Habitat construction staff and volunteers to build their own home, the homes of their neighbors, or even in the ReStore or administrative offices.

Able to pay an affordable mortgage

Applicants must have stable income and earn between 40% and 80% of the Area Median Income. There should be at least two years of good credit, no bankruptcy within the past two years, and no delinquent debt. Mortgage payments are tailored to homeowners and will be no more than 30% of the gross monthly household income.

HOW DO I APPLY?

The journey to homeownership can be intimidating. We’ll be there at every step.

Purchasing your first home is a big deal. The Habitat path to homeownership begins with a multi-step approval process that ensures our program is right for you. Our goal is to set you up for success so you can begin building a brighter future for yourself and your family.

No homeownership get-ready classes are scheduled at this time. Add your name to our interest list to be notified about our next one.

Here are questions we answer the most.

  • Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County does not maintain a waitlist, and we do not accept applications year-round. Instead, applications are only accepted during designated open periods for the specific homes available at that time.

    If you would like to be notified when the next application period begins, we encourage you to sign up for our Homeownership Interest List. Joining the list is the best way to stay informed about upcoming opportunities to partner with us.

  • No, Habitat homeowners pay an affordable mortgage.

  • Yes, you must reside or work in Sumner County or be a resident of a nearby county that does NOT have a Habitat affiliate.

  • As part of their partnership with Habitat, future Habitat homeowners contribute 200 hours of labor per adult applicant. This “sweat equity” can be performed on the construction of their own home, the construction of homes for others, assisting in the ReStore or in the administrative offices, or on other Habitat projects.