Frequently Asked Questions
Does Atlanta Habitat give homes away?
No. Atlanta Habitat provides qualifying families the opportunity to purchase affordable homes. Our homebuyers meet income and credit guidelines, attend home maintenance and other classes, invest time in volunteering and work hard supporting the build of their own homes.
What size are Atlanta Habitat homes?
Homes start at 1,100 SF and have three- or four- bedrooms with two bathrooms
What is the interest rate on an Atlanta Habitat home?
Homeowners pay NO interest on their mortgages, saving an average of $125,000 over the life of their mortgage.
Is an Atlanta Habitat home energy-efficient?
Yes. Every home exceeds specific green building, energy efficiency and sustainability guidelines. From site preparation to the final build day, we use recognized sustainability practices in home design, materials, construction, landscaping and waste management. This results in lower utility bill payments for our homeowners.
How does Atlanta Habitat pay for construction costs?
Atlanta Habitat relies on the support of sponsors and donors to fund construction costs and volunteers to help build homes, which saves the homebuyer an average of $40,000 in labor and materials.
Who are the house sponsors?
Corporations, faith-based organizations, foundations, and individuals partner with us, making a financial commitment and providing volunteers to build our homes alongside the homebuyer.
How often does Atlanta Habitat build homes?
Five to 10 houses are under construction at any given time throughout the year. We build or rehab about 50 homes annually.
How many homes has Atlanta Habitat built?
Since 1983, Atlanta Habitat has built and renovated more than 1,500 homes primarily in the city of Atlanta and Fulton County, impacting more than 6,000 family members.
Can anyone become an Atlanta Habitat homebuyer?
Atlanta Habitat homes are for first-time homebuyers who meet specific qualifications to ensure success.
What is expected of a homebuyer once approved?
Homebuyers are expected to:
- invest 250 sweat-equity hours in building his/her home and volunteering to build others or work at our headquarters, ReStore or outreach events
- make an $800 down payment
- lease the home for the first year, making timely payments that apply to the purchase price during the lease period
- attend at least 12 homeowner education classes
- attend 5 financial coaching sessions
- maintain the property
- attend a pre-closing meeting
- make monthly payments on their 30-year mortgage
How much is a mortgage payment?
Monthly mortgage payments typically average less than $650 and include an escrow account for taxes, insurance, a termite bond, city sanitation fees and a maintenance savings fund.
Does Atlanta Habitat renovate existing homes?
Yes. We purchase blighted properties and renovate them to like-new condition using the same high-quality building standards as our new homes. These homes are additional options for first-time homebuyers. Our renovation work is key to affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization and preserving neighborhood character.
Is the ReStore only open for Atlanta Habitat homeowners?
No. The Atlanta Habitat ReStore is in the Reynoldstown neighborhood and is open to the public, Monday – Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
How can I find out more?
For more information email tia.mccoy@atlantahabitat.org.