FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
May I continue to drop-off my mortgage/rent payment?
Yes, but we prefer that you pay online at atlantahabitat.org or mail your check or money order to 824 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta GA 30316. If you need help setting up an online account, please check your spam filter or contact Paul Tomlinson at 404.223.5180, ext. 145.
I am not working right now and can’t make my mortgage payment. What do I do?
We have a mortgage relief program for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity homeowners. Please contact Dr. Karyn Woods at woods@atlantahabitat.org
Are you still charging late fees?
Yes. However, if you cannot make your payment due to a coronavirus-related issue, contact Paul Tomlinson at 404.223.5180 ext. 145.
Homebuyer Program Questions
Is there a large down payment required?
There is a required down payment of $800 after the homeowner’s application has been approved. This amount can be paid in installments.
What are the benefits of purchasing an Atlanta Habitat home?
No-interest mortgage
Save an average of about $125,000 over the life of the loan!
Low monthly payments
Currently, new homeowners pay less than $1,000 per month, depending on the cost of their individual property.
Low good faith deposit
Once an application is approved, the required $800 good faith deposit may be paid in installments. The homebuyer does not have any other out-of-pocket closing costs.
Attractive, well-constructed homes
Modern homes that are not only beautiful but also well-built
Brand new appliances
All Atlanta Habitat houses include a new stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher and microwave.
Energy-efficient homes with low utility bills
Each Atlanta Habitat house is built using energy efficiency standards. This ensures that our houses conserve energy, which saves homeowners 35-40% on utility bills.
Handicapped accessible based on family’s needs
Attractive ramps allow handicap access to the home, and modifications can be made for families with individuals who have a disability.
How much is the Atlanta Habitat monthly mortgage payment?
The monthly mortgage payment varies depending on the cost of each individual home. Currently, the average monthly mortgage payment for new homebuyers is less than $1,000.
What is included in a homeowner's monthly mortgage payments?
- Principal payment that goes to pay down the amount owed on the home loan
- Property taxes
- Homeowners’ insurance
- Sanitation fees if home is located in the City of Atlanta.
- Termite insurance bond
- $25 saved in the homeowner’s Maintenance Account, which can be accessed at any time to make repairs to the home
How do homebuyers complete their sweat-equity hours?
Approved homebuyers partner with Atlanta Habitat in the construction of other homes as well as their own. Homebuyers can also complete sweat equity hours by working at the Atlanta Habitat ReStore or the warehouse, participating at outreach events, attending community meetings, and taking elective classes.
How many sweat-equity hours are required?
There is a minimum requirement of 250 sweat-equity hours. These hours must be completed within one year of a homebuyer moving in the home. At a minimum, 100 of the 250 hours must be completed by the homeowner and members of the household. Up to 150 hours may be completed by friends, family, and/or co-workers.
I've heard that homeowners never actually own their homes; they rent them. Is this true?
No. In the Atlanta Habitat program, the homebuyer lives in the house for the first year while completing requirements, and they pay a monthly occupancy fee. At the end of the first year, if the homebuyer has made all of their payments on time, completed their sweat-equity and homeowner education requirements, they purchase the home from Atlanta Habitat.
Qualification Questions
Do I have to have a savings account?
If you do not currently have some type of account where you are saving money, you will need to open an account to meet the savings requirement. You must maintain a minimum daily balance of $200 in that account for 6 months.
Savings account, checking accounts, and custodial accounts for your children can be used to satisfy the savings requirement.
Can I start the application process before I meet the savings requirement?
Yes. We offer a “Step Up Savings” program for applicants who meet all requirements except for savings. You may submit your application and continue with the application process; however you will not be finally approved until you have completed the 6-month savings requirement of maintaining a $200 minimum daily balance.
How many people must live in the home?
One to eight people.
Can I apply if I am the only person in my household?
Yes. Atlanta Habitat now builds homes for individuals.
Can I apply if there are no children in my household?
Yes. There is no requirement that the household must include children.
Do homebuyers need to be members of a church?
No, we do not accept or decline applications based on church membership or religious affiliation.
Can I build/purchase a two-story home?
We built our first single-family four-bedroom, two-story home in 2019. There are three factors in the two-story home option:
1. The household income must meet the requirements listed in our income guidelines.
2. The lot for two-story homes has to be relatively flat and located in a neighborhood that has existing two-story homes.
3. While, still considered affordable by Atlanta housing standards, our two-story homes are more expensive to build, and at this time, we do not offer a three-bedroom, two-story option.
Application Process Questions
How can I apply to buy an Atlanta Habitat home?
See the Application Process section of this website.
How long is the waiting list for current/prospective homebuyers?
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Atlanta Habitat is not accepting applications, and we are unable to determine how long the waiting period will be before we resume our application process. Please contact Family Services with any additional questions regarding your place on the waitlist or www.atlantahabitat.org/application-process/ to learn about the five steps of approval.
I know someone who I think will qualify for a home. What can I do?
Please direct your friends to this website for up-to-date information on our qualifications and waiting list.
What happens if my application is denied?
If applicants do not meet Atlanta Habitat for Humanity’s criteria and are not accepted into the program, they will receive a letter with a description of the reason and, if necessary, a referral to free credit counseling. There is no limit to how many times an individual can apply for an Atlanta Habitat home, so we encourage applicants to reapply!
Occupancy and Closing Questions
What is expected of an Atlanta Habitat homeowner after closing?
- Make timely payments
- Maintain the home
- Be an active member of the community (see resident menu at link www.atlantaga.gov)
- Continue to attend Home Smart classes of interest
- Inform Atlanta Habitat of changes to email addresses or phone numbers. Click here for a downloadable form to be completed and submitted to melissa.klein@atlantahabitat.org