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Homeownership Program
.gif) Helping to Make Your Homeownership Dream a Reality
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County (HfHPC) builds homes with people in our community and sells the houses at no profit and no interest to households who otherwise could not afford to own a home. The program also prepares partner families to be successful homeowners.
Some Things to Consider
Here is some basic information about how the program works. Part of the application process includes a special Homeowner Orientation where applicants get lots of information and the opportunity to ask questions.
HfHPC builds single family homes and townhouses. We also rehabilitate existing homes. All homes come with our standard Homeowner’s Warranty. Depending on the size of your family when you apply, we build homes with two to six bedrooms and one or two bathrooms.
Habitat for Humanity builds throughout Pinellas County, in places where we can find affordable land. The Application for Homeownership includes a section where you choose a preference for either north county or south county. (Ulmerton Road is the dividing line.) Once you have completed 100 hours of sweat equity, we will meet with you to review available locations.
How Long Does the Program Take?
The length of time it takes to complete the program varies and is really dependent on how quickly you can meet your requirements. You must attend 13 homeownership classes, complete 250 to 350 sweat equity hours and save for closing costs ($500) and for your first year’s insurance (approximately $1,000 to $1,500.) On average, homeowner candidates take one year to complete our program. Some candidates have done it in half that time, and others have taken two or more years. To keep you on track, you are required to put in a minimum number of hours each month and attend at least two classes each quarter.
What Makes a Habitat Pinellas Home Affordable?
Because of volunteer labor and donations from organizations and individuals, Habitat homes are sold to homeowners at no profit. Also, they are financed with a zero-interest, 25- to 35-year mortgage.
How Much Will the Home Cost?
On average, a 3-bedroom Habitat home costs between $140,000 and $160,000, depending on the value of the land. Monthly payments range from $664 to $720, which includes taxes and insurance.
Sweat equity is an exciting cornerstone to the Habitat program designed to meet three important goals: partnership, pride in homeownership and development of skills and knowledge. Sweat equity hours can be earned by volunteering on our construction sites, in the Habitat office and at Habitat’s ReStore. You will be required to complete half of the necessary hours yourself. Family, friends and co-workers can help with the other half. All volunteers must be at least 16 years old. However, your children can help with sweat equity hours by getting good grades at school.
Equal Housing Opportunity: We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
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