Applications sought from those in need of a Habitat home

Apr. 13—LAURINBURG — Applications are now available for Habitat for Humanity homes and some Scotland County residents may be unknowingly eligible to apply.

"Anyone in Scotland County can apply for a Habitat home," said Executive Director Chris Carpenter. "We encourage people who feel like they are in need of a safe and decent home, affordable housing and who are willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity to become first-time homeowners to apply."

Homeowners are chosen based on three criteria: the ability to pay, willingness to pay and their need for a home.

"Applicants will go through a financial screening process first," Carpenter said. "This is where the ability to pay and willingness to pay are considered. Our financial requirements are not quite as strict as a typical bank, but we do pay very close attention to credit to determine if an applicant's history shows a willingness to pay past debts."

Carpenter also said Habitat does use the same income standards as banks to determine if someone can afford a home.

"These are regulated by the Federal and State Governments," Carpenter said. "We are able to give mortgages to individuals with lower incomes than other banks because we charge zero interest which creates low payments.

"The zero interest makes a huge difference," continued Carpenter. "The homes we build typically appraise for between $90,000 and $110,000. We sell them for the appraisal price using a 25-year, zero-interest mortgage. This keeps the payments very affordable."

The individuals who qualify financially will then be presented to the Family Selection Committee, which evaluates the need of the applicant in comparison to other applicants.

"Approved applicants will have to attend homeowner education classes," said Carpenter. "It is approximately 15 hours and most can be completed online. They will also put in sweat equity."

Sweat equity, according to Carpenter, is 200 hours of volunteering at Habitat.

"This can be done by volunteering during a build of someone else's home, your home and at the ReStore," said Carpenter. "They must also pay $2,700 of closing costs, which can be paid in payments over time leading up to the completion of their home."

Carpenter said he really wants everyone to understand there is not one specific type of applicant Habitat builds for.

"We build for individuals of all adult ages, families, single parents and more," said Carpenter. "Sometimes people think Habitat for Humanity is not meant for them because they are a two-income household and make too much money or that they are too old. That is a misconception."

Habitat does not have a maximum age limit and has income limits based on household size.

"These income limits create a rage from the minimum to the maximum for a family," said Carpenter. "We build great affordable homes that appraise at a high level. I really encourage everyone who is interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner to at least call and ask questions."

Habitat is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. To contact the Restore for information on becoming a homeowner, call 910-276-3395.

JJ Melton can be contacted at [email protected] To support the Laurinburg Exchange, subscribe here: https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/subscribe.