How to Apply for Homeowership

Families work in partnership with Habitat Worcester, volunteers, and the local community to build their homes. Habitat Worcester at times functions both as a construction company and mortgage company. In some cases, Habitat partners with approved third party lenders such as the USDA to access financing programs to enable the homes to be built. Families pay back the cost to build their homes via monthly mortgage payments that on average last for 25 – 30 years. The cost to build is lower than market average due in part to volunteer labor and donated materials, making the program affordable. Habitat affiliates do not earn profits from the homes they build and sell. Families must meet certain criteria, (defined below), in order to qualify for the program.

Habitat Worcester is now accepting applications for 3BR 2.5 BA Residential Townhouse Units in Pocomoke, MD!

This is the only application round available and a request for a preliminary interview means that the applicant is aware that these homes are (1) townhouses and (2) in Pocomoke and if the applicant qualifies, will be able to move to Pocomoke. We are not accepting inquiries for critical repairs, a Brush with Kindness, or single family builds. Potential applicants are required to review the below guidelines prior to reaching out to start the application process.

The first round of townhouses will have a summer 2026 delivery, with subsequent units available approximately every 6 months.

Please review this ENTIRE PAGE carefully and if you meet the qualifications, email families@habitatworcester.org for a prequalification interview.

Click to read about our projects and the 2025 Bishopville Build.

General Guidelines for Partner Family Selection:

First review guidelines to make sure you meet ALL of the preliminary requirements before inquiring
If you meet the requirements email: families@habitatworcester.org to schedule a preliminary interview during an open application round. Current application round, for Pocomoke townhouses only, is open as of March 24, 2026.
Applicants who move into the full application round and supply all required documentation in a timely manner will be given first consideration

Preliminary Requirements

Must Demonstrate a Need for adequate shelter – Examples of circumstance include: current housing is too small for the size of the family and family is unable to obtain alternative housing; housing is unsafe; rent is greater than 35% of monthly income (cost burdened); unable to afford or qualify for conventional mortgage.
Willingness to Partner – Applicant is willing to commit to the “sweat equity requirement” (400 hours for a build). Applicant agrees to make “earnest money” payments into escrow account during the build process, will not incur any additional consumer debt during this time, will notify the affiliate of any changes in financial status, and agrees to maintain home after purchase and pay mortgage payments each month on time.
Ability to Pay – Families must earn between 30% - 60% of the AMI* for Worcester County (as defined by HUD) to qualify. Families must submit all of the requested verification documentation in a timely manner. Front end and back end ratio requirements for debt service and minimum credit score required. *This requirement is slightly diffferent for the Pocomoke townhouse project. See Specific Requirements below.
Must Pass Credit and Background Checks – including but not limited to a minimum credit score of 640, criminal, sexual and terrorist or suspicious activity background checks; there must not be any liens or judgments against the applicant or co-applicant.
Application Fee – $30 to help cover the costs incurred by the affiliate.
Must be a US Citizen or Resident and Worcester County, MD resident for at least one year.
Must not be able to otherwise afford a conventional mortgage.
Applicant must also meet all requirements and be approved for USDA 502 direct loan program including total debt of 41% or less inclusive of housing costs.

Specific Requirements for 2026 Pocomoke Townhouse Units:

The high income cap for this program is 80% of the AMI for Worcester County, defined by HUD and based on family size.
To qualify your income can't exceed $62,200 for 1 person, $71,050 for 2, $79,950 for 3, or $88,800 for 4 persons per household. The low income threshold is $50,000. Generally, this program will serve first time home buyers who earn between $50,000 and $62,200 - up to $88,800.
Must be a first-time homebuyer (in any state)
Must understand that applications are specific to the Pocomoke townhouse development only - an application for this round does not provide application to any other Habitat program other than the Pocomoke development
Other criteria applies such as Debt to Income Ratio and will be reviewed on a case by case basis unique to each application
Approval of a Habitat application does not guarantee funding for purchase - applicants must also be approved by Habitat's third party lending partner

First Steps to Apply:

Please take the time to read this page and Homeownership Responsibilities and become familiar with our homeownership roles, process and qualification requirements.
Once you have read the guidelines and feel that you meet all the qualifications of a Habitat Homebuyer, you may send an inquiry email during the application rounds. Please note we are unable to accommodate requests that are sent outside of application rounds.
Send inquiry email to Families@habitatworcester.org with “Homeownership Program” as the subject line. In the email, briefly outline your need for a Habitat home, the times you are available for a phone call, and a Family Selection Committee member will be in touch to set up your pre-application interview.