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Watauga County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program (SHLP)

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program (SHLP) is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Boone, North Carolina, administered by Watauga County Habitat for Humanity.

Last verified Source: Watauga County Habitat for Humanity

The program asks for

  • A completed homebuyer education course
  • Buyer must participate in construction or rehab of their home (sweat equity). NCHFA SHLP provides shared 0% amortizing mortgage (20-30 yr, up to $50K). Requires homebuyer education + 2 hrs one-on-one counseling. Contact: 828-268-9545, PO Box 33, Boone NC 28607.
  • A home in Watauga County

It doesn’t cover

  • Households above 80% of area median income
  • Homes outside Watauga County

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

Income limit

80% of Watauga County’s area median income

HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.

$86,900
Area median income, 4-person household (HUD, 2026)

Where it applies

Watauga County’s homes

  • 63.6% single-family
  • 2.3% townhouse
  • 8% 2–4 units
  • 18.2% 5+ units
  • 7.9% mobile & other

A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.

$358,900

Watauga County median home value

35.6%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Watauga County

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact Watauga County Habitat for Humanity to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Questions about this program

What is Watauga County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program (SHLP)?

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program (SHLP) is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Boone, North Carolina, administered by Watauga County Habitat for Humanity. Funding comes from NCHFA Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP).

How much assistance does it provide?

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program (SHLP) offers up to $50,000 in assistance. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Watauga County Habitat for Humanity determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program (SHLP) is a first mortgage and is repaid under the terms set by Watauga County Habitat for Humanity. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program (SHLP) sets its eligibility rules through Watauga County Habitat for Humanity, and does not restrict applicants to first-time homebuyers. A homebuyer education course is required. Buyer must participate in construction or rehab of their home (sweat equity). NCHFA SHLP provides shared 0% amortizing mortgage (20-30 yr, up to $50K). Requires homebuyer education + 2 hrs one-on-one counseling. Contact: 828-268-9545, PO Box 33, Boone NC 28607.

What are the income limits?

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program (SHLP) limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income. Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program (SHLP) can be used for single_family.

Where does it apply?

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program (SHLP) serves homebuyers purchasing in Boone, North Carolina.

How do you apply?

Applications for Watauga County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program (SHLP) go through Watauga County Habitat for Humanity, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Also for Watauga County homebuyers

Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.

All 69 programs for Watauga County

Program terms are set by Watauga County Habitat for Humanity and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.