As home prices continue to rise across Orange County, we’re building new paths to affordable homeownership for local households. Beginning June 1, 2026, applications will open for seven homes — one two-bedroom duplex, two three-bedroom duplexes, two three-bedroom townhomes, and two four-bedroom townhomes — in Weavers Grove, our new mixed-income community in Chapel Hill.  

Weavers Grove brings together Habitat homeowners and market-rate homeowners in one thoughtfully planned neighborhood with community-centered amenities that include a one-mile walking trail, playground, basketball and pickleball courts, picnic pavilion, and community center. Habitat homes are built to the same high standards as market-rate homes and blend seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood. 

Through our Mortgage-Ready Program, eligible buyers can purchase a home with no down payment, reduced closing costs, and a mortgage payment capped at no more than 30% of their pre-tax monthly income. 

Many households who qualify for the program may not initially realize they’re eligible. Rising housing costs in Orange County have pushed homeownership out of reach for many teachers, healthcare workers, nonprofit employees, service workers, and other residents with steady incomes who still cannot compete in today’s housing market. 

This application period also marks the launch of a streamlined process designed to reduce wait time for applicants, who will now receive a response to their application within one month. Going forward, we will open applications on a rolling basis as homes become available, offering prospective homeowners more frequent opportunities and greater transparency throughout the process. Orange Habitat staff will review and respond to applications on a first-come, first-served basis. 

“Too many people who contribute to this community every day have started to believe homeownership in Chapel Hill isn’t possible for them,” said Laine Hindley, Vice President of Homeowner Services. “We want people to understand that this opportunity may be more within reach than they think. Our updated application process is designed to make that path clearer, faster, and more transparent from the very beginning.” 

Eligibility Requirements 
Our Mortgage-Ready Program is designed for households who may earn too much to qualify for many traditional housing assistance programs but still face significant barriers to purchasing a home in Orange County’s competitive housing market. To be considered in this round, applicants must: 

• Have lived or worked in Orange County, NC, for at least the past 12 months 
• Demonstrate verifiable legal residency in the US 
• Demonstrate at least 24 months of income history 
• Meet income, debt, and savings requirements, including a maximum monthly debt-to-income ratio of 13%, preferred 620+ credit score, less than $1,000 in non-medical collections, and $1,500 in savings to help prepare for closing costs 

Income eligibility varies by household size. For the application period beginning June 1, individual applicants must earn between $46,500 and $71,200 annually; for a family of four, the income of the one or two co-applicants must reach at least $46,500, combined, and the total household income must not exceed $101,700. See full eligibility requirements. 

Selected applicants will then move through Orange Habitat’s Mortgage-Ready Program, which involves participating in construction days on site, attending educational workshops and community events, and completing pre-closing documentation. 

Applications open June 1, 2026. To learn more or apply, visit orangehabitat.org/apply.