USDA Rural Development Mutual Self-Help Housing Program

Income Eligibility: Borrowers must fall within the very low- to low-income bracket as defined by USDA guidelines.
Location: Applicants must seek housing in eligible rural areas specified by USDA Rural Development.
Creditworthiness: While flexible, applicants should demonstrate a capacity to afford a mortgage with payment assistance.
Job Stability: Borrowers should demonstrate reliable employment history and income stability.
Willingness to Participate: Homebuyers must be committed to working alongside others to build homes through sweat equity.

Initial Application & Screening:
- Applicants submit their information to Homes In Partnership, Inc. for review.
- Income, credit, affordability, and location eligibility are assessed.
Pre-Construction Preparation:
- Approved applicants receive homebuyer education and financial counseling.
- Groups are formed, and participants learn about construction responsibilities.
Sweat Equity Homebuilding:
- Under the guidance of a construction supervisor, groups collaborate to build each other’s homes.
- Mandatory Work includes tasks such as painting, landscaping, interior finishing, etc.
Final Inspection:
- Homes undergo final inspections to ensure quality and safety.
- Once construction is complete, buyers officially transition their USDA construction loan to a permanent mortgage loan and move into their brand-new home.

This program fosters community, affordability, and empowerment, making homeownership accessible.

Applicants are required to meet several qualifications to ensure success. Each prospective homeowner must:

Must be a US citizen or legal resident
Overall credit history should demonstrate the ability and willingness to repay obligations
Must have a 2-year work history and have filed 2 years of tax returns if employed
Conform to the minimum and maximum Income Guidelines depending on family size and location. Click here to check the income limits for your area: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/RD-DirectLimitMap.pdf
Willing to participate in certain aspects of the construction of your home and others
Attend homebuyer workshops and meetings
USDA requires homes to be in rural areas. Click here for property eligibility information: https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do?pageAction=sfpd. Click on ACCEPT, then type the address you wish to purchase.
The home you will purchase must be your primary residence, not owning another home
USDA SELF-ASSESSMENT WEBSITE: Final determination of eligibility must be made by USDA Rural Development https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do?pageAction=assessmentType