A sexual offender, criminal background check, and a global terrorist background check will be conducted on all adults in the household 18 years and older, as well as the spouse of the applicant, if applicable.
The Homeownership Program
Secure Your Future
In the Cape Fear Region, one in every three families spends over 33% of their income on housing. This makes it difficult to reach financial stability, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.
Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity is here to help.
We create housing opportunities with affordable mortgages that allow individuals and families to achieve their dream of homeownership.
Habitat Homeowners spend no more than 30% of their income on their mortgage. This ensures a stable living environment and provides the opportunity to build wealth and create a lasting legacy for future generations.
Our offices are open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm with appointments available outside of those hours. To learn more, contact info@capefearhabitat.org.
Qualifications
Residency
- Buyers must have lived or worked in New Hanover, Pender, or Duplin Counties for at least 1 year.
- Buyers must be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents. Individuals who are otherwise eligible to live in the United States will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Need
Your current housing situation can be described by at least one of the following:
- Housing expenses that exceed 30% of buyer’s gross monthly income
- Unable to qualify for a traditional home loan through other sources
- Overcrowded or unsafe living conditions
- Living in subsidized housing
- Living in substandard housing or a non-permanent residence
- Lacking stable housing while maintaining income sufficient for program requirements
Willingness to Partner
Turning in a Fully Complete Application
This includes all required supporting documents. Please review the checklist to ensure that you are submitting a complete application.
Partnership Hours
Help us build other homes and, eventually, your own! Partnership Hours are performed in various ways, but most significantly on the build sites. No construction experience is required! Other opportunities are available at our Restores, fundraisers, and community events. Work alongside volunteers 2-3 shifts per month, over a period of 12-18 months.
Prior to closing, a family with 2 adults must work 400 Partnership Hours & a family with 1 adult must work 250 Partnership Hours. (100 of these hours must be construction-related per adult). Friends and Family may help with a portion of your hours. Those with disabilities may have a custom Partnership Hours Plan designed, if necessary, with doctor’s input. We’ll find ways for you to be involved as much as possible that’s safe for you.
Homeownership Classes
Attendance is mandatory for all classes prior to closing.
Monthly Payments Toward Closing Costs Prior to Closing
By submitting affordable monthly payments towards closing costs while in our program, you will demonstrate your willingness to pay a monthly mortgage on time in the future. Realistic monthly goals will be discussed between the Future Homeowner and the Credit and Mortgage Counselor upon examination of monthly budget.
Monthly Financial Meetings
By attending regular monthly meetings with the Credit & Mortgage Counselor prior to closing, you will demonstrate a commitment to strengthening your financial readiness for home ownership.
Willingness to Live Where We Have Land
During the application process, we will discuss known locations that are not yet selected by future homeowners, giving you a sense of where we typically build. After your application is approved and you have demonstrated consistency in your partnership activities for a few months, you will be shown available land options. At that time, you will select a construction-ready property from our land inventory that meets your eligibility criteria, such as approved number of bedrooms, affordability, and loan type.
Representing Habitat
Our partner families support the community as a representative of Habitat. You will also be asked to meet and talk with volunteers, donors, and other future homeowners.
Homeownership Responsibilities
Habitat homeowners hold the same responsibilities as most any homeowner. You are expected to pay your mortgage on time, and you will be responsible for keeping your home maintained and repaired as needed. Monthly mortgage payments include principal payment, homeowner’s insurance premiums, property taxes, and other applicable items such as HOA dues, termite agreement, etc.
Mortgage Payments After Home Purchase
Your monthly mortgage will be no more than 30% of your gross income at closing and for your first year. While the principle will not change, taxes and insurance typically increase in costs over time. Payments support our revolving fund to build more homes with other families!
Required Background Checks
Ability to Pay
Income
See income ranges in the chart below. Income amounts including wages, Social Security, Social Security disability, child support, other forms of reported income, and all debt will be considered. These numbers are effective July 1, 2026, and change every year.
Need to increase your income? Contact our partner StepUp Wilmington who offers join training and placement, as well as career development.
Debt
No more than 20% of your gross income can go toward debt payments like credit cards, car loans, or other obligations.
Credit
We don’t require a specific credit score. If your income qualifies, we’ll review your payment history through a credit report ($50 per applicant, paid only if we move forward). If you have no credit, you can submit utility bills. If credit issues arise, free credit counseling will be offered.
Application Steps
Step 1: Complete an Application
If you are interested in applying for Cape Fear Habitat’s Homeownership Program, you may print the application from this website. You may also request an application be mailed to you by calling (910) 762-4744, ext. 100 or send an email to info@capefearhabitat.org with your name, address, and contact information.
How to Apply:
If you believe you may qualify, complete the full application packet and gather all required documents listed on the first half of the checklist (included in the application packet). Mail or drop off your completed packet any time Monday – Friday between 9am and 4pm at:
Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity
Homeowner Services Department
3310 Fredrickson Rd.
Wilmington, NC 28401
Application Review Before You Submit (optional): You may schedule a brief appointment with our Program Coordinator to review your application for completeness. This is recommended, as incomplete applications will not be processed. Call in advance to schedule:(910) 762-4744, ext. 117 or email danielle@capefearhabitat.org.
Step 2: Cape Fear Habitat Reviews Application
Cape Fear Habitat will review your application and supporting documentation. Please allow 30 days for this review. You will receive a letter indicating whether or not you may proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Credit Check
If your income qualifies, we will contact you to arrange payment of the $50 fee per applicant before pulling your credit report. (No minimum credit score is required)
Step 4: Meet with Credit Counselor
Meet with the Credit Counselor to discuss your financial readiness for a Habitat home and receive guidance about your ability to pay for a Habitat home. At this meeting, you will submit necessary biographical documents (such as birth certificates and social security cards). At this stage, you will be expected to complete a spending plan before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Background Checks
A sexual offender, criminal background check, and a global terrorist background check will be conducted on all adults in the household 18 years and older, as well as any spouse of the applicant if applicable. An assessment will be conducted, as needed, to determine the ability to move forward based on the person’s individual circumstances and transparency during the application process.
Step 6: Partnership Meeting with Director of Homeowner Services
Meet with the Director of Homeowner Services to discuss your need for a Habitat home, to ensure your understanding of what it means to partner with Habitat, and how you plan to fulfill our partnership requirements.
Step 7: Homeowner Selection Committee Interview
A member of the Homeowner Selection Committee and the Director of Homeowner Services will meet with you for a short interview. Then the committee will meet to review your case, and a determination will be made whether to recommend your family for selection into the homeownership program. The Board of Directors will vote to make the final decision.
Step 8: If Approved by the Board…
Your Habitat Partnership begins! The first step will be to meet with the Programs Coordinator for a Program Orientation and to sign a Letter of Intent. You will begin right away on working on your financial readiness for homeownership, partnership hours, and homeowner education.
Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity conducts business in accordance with Federal Fair Lending Laws.
See Where Cape Fear Habitat Builds
