Habitat Homeowner Application & FAQs
Habitat for Humanity, Knox County is now accepting New Homeowner Applications from May 5, 2025 - May 31, 2025. Applications can be downloaded by clicking the button below or by picking them up at the ReStore at 405 W. Chestnut Street in Mount Vernon. Applications must be returned to our office or the ReStore by 4pm on Saturday, May 31st. If you are mailing them back they must be postmarked by May 31st to be considered. Should you have questions, please read the FAQ’s and if you still have questions, feel free to contact us.
+ What is sweat equity?
Sweat equity refers to the hours Habitat candidate homeowners must put in working to help build the homes of other candidates as well as their own home. Hours also include taking homeowner education classes, working at the ReStore, and volunteering at various Habitat events. Currently each single applicant is required to earn 250 hours.
+ What are the income requirements?
Each applicant must fall within the 30-60% median income guidelines, for your family size, which are set by HUD (Housing and Urban Development). Ability to pay is then also assessed. The ability to pay falls solely on the person who will be the mortgage holder.
+ What are the qualifications?
The three basic qualifications: Need for Housing, Ability to Pay, and Willingness to Partner.
+ Can you mail me an application or can I pick up an application at the office?
Applications are available for pickup at the ReStore at 405 W. Chestnut Street. If you would like a copy mailed please email us at knoxcountyhabitat@hfhknoxoh.org.
+ What will my mortgage payments be?
Once you have completed all program requirements and construction on your home is finished, you will attend a closing where Habitat for Humanity signs a mortgage over to you. This will be a 25-30 year affordable mortgage. Mortgage payments consist of your principal payment, homeowner’s insurance, and property taxes; it does not include your utilities.
+ Do I have to live in Knox County to apply?
No, you do not have to currently live in Knox County to qualify for a Habitat home. However, you must have a strong, sustainable connection to the county—such as employment, family, or another long-term reason to invest in living here.
+ Will you do a background check?
Yes. Habitat will do a background check and check names against the sex offender registry on all applicants before final approval.
+ Will you do a credit check?
Yes we will do a credit check to determine your ability to pay the mortgage. However, unlike traditional lenders, we are not looking for a specific score. Habitat for Humanity is prepared to work with you to repair your credit if the debt is reasonable. Unfortunately, there will be cases that we are unable to work with, however, those will be discussed and assessed during the financial review and financial assessment portion of the application process. We are not able to tell you whether or not you will qualify without submitting a full application.
+ After I am accepted in the program, how long will it take before I can move into my own home?
If your application is approved, the program and construction process will take approximately 6 to 18 months to complete. This timeframe allows Habitat to secure a sponsor group, obtain land, and give the future homeowner time to complete the required sweat equity hours and classes. Please note that this is an estimated timeframe. Factors such as financial readiness, sponsorship availability, land acquisition, and other considerations may extend the process.
+ I don't have any children. Can I still apply?
Yes. Habitat for Humanity of Knox County is an Equal Housing/Equal Opportunity lender and does not discriminate against anyone based on race, religion, source of income, or family make-up.
+ What if I am separated, but not legally divorced?
You can apply for a Habitat home, but one of two things will need to happen before you take ownership of your home. You will either need to have your spouse co-sign the mortgage with you, and sign a form stating that he/she has no interest in the house, or you must finalize your divorce before the time comes to take ownership of your home.
+ What size houses do you build?
We build 3 and 4 bedroom homes. The house size is based on the number of members in your family at the time of approval.
+ Do I have to have a job?
No, but you must have a steady income. Income includes regular, sustainable monthly funds. If you receive only Social Security or retirement income, you may still qualify as long as it meets our income requirements for your family size. However, unemployment benefits and food stamps do not count as income.
+ Once I move in can I make renovations?
Yes! This is a mortgage not a rental agreement. Therefore YOU OWN IT! If you would like to make changes after you move in, you are welcome to do so. (You must comply with HOA and city/county ordinances if applicable.)
+ Can I apply if I am currently living under section 8 housing?
Yes! You are still eligible to apply for our program. Habitat for Humanity is not affiliated with Section 8 or other government housing programs, so while your voucher cannot be used toward mortgage payments, it does not affect your eligibility.
+ Can you build on my land?
No. At this time we are not building on land that is owned by an applicant. We are only able to build on Habitat land that we already have available.