How to apply
Review the key eligibility criteria and application process for our first-time homebuyer program, offering qualified individuals and families the opportunity to attain affordable homeownership.
Your Journey Starts Today.
Homeownership starts before the application. Partner with a volunteer Financial Mentor and build the foundation for a home of your own.
Homeownership Starts Before the Application
At Habitat for Humanity of Horry County, we believe successful homeownership begins with preparation—not paperwork.
That's why the first step on your journey isn't completing an application. It's partnering with one of our volunteer Financial Mentors to build the knowledge, confidence, and financial foundation needed for long-term success.
Whether you're just beginning to dream about owning a home or you're ready to take the next step, we're here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Your Journey Can Begin Right Where You Are
Whatever stage you're in, a Financial Mentor will meet you there.
Your Path to Homeownership
Six steps from your first conversation to the keys of your new home.
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Step 1 · Start here
Connect with a Financial Mentor
Your homeownership journey begins by completing a short interest form. We'll connect you with a volunteer Financial Mentor who will work alongside you as you prepare for homeownership.
Get a Financial Mentor -
Step 2
Prepare for Homeownership
Together you'll work on:
- Budgeting
- Credit
- Savings
- Debt reduction
- Homeownership education
- Financial readiness
There is no set timeline—everyone's journey looks a little different.
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Step 3
Priority Homeownership Opportunities
Habitat builds homes according to our land strategy and construction schedule. Typically, about six months before construction begins, we invite participants who are actively engaged in our Financial Mentorship Program to apply for those available homes.
How home opportunities work
As we identify new homeownership opportunities and begin preparing for construction, we determine how many future homeowners we'll need for those specific homes. Rather than opening a general application to the public, applications are tied to specific homes or developments based on what Habitat currently has planned.
Each home opportunity includes information about:
- The location and type of home (single-family, townhome, condominium, etc.)
- The anticipated construction timeline
- Household size recommendations
- Program requirements and timeline
- Any unique considerations for that particular home
Participants are encouraged to apply only for the home that best fits their household and long-term needs.
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Step 4
Homebuyer Selection
Once the application period closes, Habitat staff will carefully review each application to verify eligibility, affordability, and program readiness. Applicants who move forward will participate in the next phase of the selection process, which includes:
- A financial review conducted by Habitat staff
- A home visit with members of Habitat's Family Selection Committee
- An interview to learn more about your family's story, housing needs, and homeownership goals
More about the selection process
Our Family Selection Committee is a dedicated group of community volunteers who help ensure our selection process is fair, thoughtful, and mission-centered. During the home visit and interview, the committee seeks to better understand each family's current housing situation and evaluate the applicant's demonstrated need for affordable housing and willingness to partner with Habitat through the Homebuyer Program.
At the same time, Habitat staff complete a detailed financial review to determine each applicant's ability to pay an affordable mortgage, ensuring the home remains financially sustainable for the family over the long term. Habitat affiliates commonly evaluate applicants using the three core criteria of need, willingness to partner, and ability to repay an affordable mortgage.
After all home visits, interviews, and financial reviews have been completed, the Family Selection Committee thoughtfully reviews the information gathered and votes to recommend the family or families who they believe are the best fit for that specific homeownership opportunity.
Families who are not selected are encouraged to continue participating in Financial Mentorship. As additional homes become available through Habitat's land strategy and construction schedule, there will be future opportunities to apply.
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Step 5
Homebuyer in Process (HIP)
Congratulations! Once selected, you'll officially become a Homebuyer in Process (HIP) and begin partnering with Habitat through our structured Homebuyer Program. As a Homebuyer in Process, you'll continue preparing for homeownership by:
- Completing required Sweat Equity hours
- Meeting regularly with your Financial Mentor
- Attending monthly Financial Literacy Classes
- Participating in Quarterly Homebuyer Workshops
- Building your required savings and maintaining financial readiness
- Working alongside Habitat staff and volunteers as your future home is prepared
During this stage, we'll continue walking alongside you to ensure you feel confident and prepared for the responsibilities of homeownership.
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Step 6
Welcome Home
When construction is complete and you've met all program requirements, you'll receive the keys to your new home. See what that looks like ↓
It's Time to Celebrate!
When construction is complete and you've successfully met all program requirements, you'll receive the keys to your new home during your Home Dedication Ceremony, surrounded by the volunteers, sponsors, staff, and community members who helped make your homeownership journey possible.
But your partnership with Habitat doesn't end there. As a Habitat homeowner, you'll continue to have access to resources, educational opportunities, homeowner support, and a community that's invested in your long-term success.
At Habitat for Humanity of Horry County, we don't just build houses—we build hope, lasting partnerships, stronger communities, and brighter futures.
Basic Eligibility
To be considered for Habitat's Homebuyer Program, applicants must meet the following requirements.
Applicants must:
- Have lived in Horry County for at least 12 months
- Be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident
- Meet Habitat's income guidelines (35–80% Area Median Income)
- Demonstrate a need for safe, decent, affordable housing
- Be willing to partner with Habitat
Income Guidelines
To be eligible for Habitat's Homebuyer Program, applicants must meet our household income guidelines. Our program serves households earning approximately:
Not sure if you qualify? We encourage you to connect with a Financial Mentor. We're happy to help you understand the income guidelines and discuss your path toward homeownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do homeownership opportunities become available?
Habitat builds homes according to our land strategy and construction schedule, so homeownership opportunities become available throughout the year as new homes are planned. Approximately six months before construction begins, we invite participants actively engaged in Financial Mentorship to apply for those specific homes.
How do I get started?
Your journey begins with Financial Mentorship.
We'll pair you with a volunteer Financial Mentor who will work alongside you to build your financial confidence, strengthen your credit and savings, and help prepare you for homeownership. As future homeownership opportunities become available, active Financial Mentorship participants receive priority consideration to apply.
Get a Financial MentorHow long does the Homebuyer Program take?
Every family's journey is unique.
Once accepted into the Homebuyer Program, most families complete the program in approximately 6–18 months, depending on the home opportunity, construction schedule, and individual progress toward program milestones.
Our goal isn't simply to help you purchase a home—it's to ensure you're prepared for long-term success as a homeowner.
Can I choose which home I receive?
Homeownership opportunities are based on Habitat's current land strategy and construction schedule. As homes become available, we invite applicants to apply for specific homes that best fit their household size, needs, and readiness.
What if I'm not selected?
Not being selected for one homeownership opportunity does not mean your journey with Habitat has ended.
We encourage you to continue partnering with your Financial Mentor, building your savings, completing educational opportunities, and preparing for homeownership. As additional homes become available, there will be future opportunities to apply.
Our hope is to help every family become homeownership ready, and we'll continue walking alongside you every step of the way.
How are families selected?
Every application is reviewed through Habitat's Family Selection process.
Habitat staff evaluates each applicant's ability to pay an affordable mortgage, while our volunteer Family Selection Committee conducts home visits and interviews to better understand each family's housing needs and willingness to partner with Habitat.
Together, these perspectives help ensure a fair, thoughtful, and mission-driven selection process.
What makes Habitat different from buying a home on the open market?
Habitat isn't just building houses—we're preparing homeowners.
Through Financial Mentorship, homebuyer education, Sweat Equity, and ongoing support, we partner with families long before they receive the keys to their home. Our goal is to equip every homeowner with the knowledge, confidence, and resources needed to thrive for years to come.
I'm not ready yet. Can Habitat still help me?
Absolutely.
You don't have to wait until you're "ready" to begin your journey. Whether you're working on your credit, building savings, paying down debt, or simply exploring the idea of homeownership, we'd love to partner with you.
Your first step is connecting with a Financial Mentor—and your journey can begin today.
Get a Financial MentorYour Journey Starts Today.
Your first step is connecting with a Financial Mentor—and your journey can begin today.
Equal Housing Opportunity. Habitat for Humanity of Horry County is an Equal Housing Opportunity agency. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for our programs without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status.