To apply for a home, you must meet the following criteria*:

• Have a housing need. Are you living in conditions such as:
  • Overcrowded conditions
  • Paying a very high percentage of your income for rent (more than 30 percent)
  • Unsafe, unsanitary conditions
  • Substandard housing – with a leaky roof, poor heating or lacking proper plumbing
• Have lived or worked in Pinellas, Pasco, or Hernando for at least one year.
• Have one year of steady, reliable income.
• Meet other necessary income-related qualifications include a sufficient debt-to-income ratio, etc.
• Have reasonably good credit. We don’t require perfect credit. We consider families who demonstrate the ability to make regular payments on their bills.

You can find more affordable housing information by visiting www.floridahousingsearch.org.

You must fit within our specific income ranges below and meet other income – related guidelines:

*HUD Requirements 2024

The income level required is based on the number of people who would be living in the home. This is between 30 percent and 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Pinellas County (the numbers are based on guidelines adjusted each year and defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)). These figures include all forms of income: employment, public assistance, social security, disability, child support, etc. The ranges above reflect the 2024 HUD guidelines.

Review our Homeowner Screening and Qualification Process outline for more details.

Consider the following:

Part of the application process includes a 15 minute Homeowner Orientation where applicants get lots of information and the opportunity to ask questions. Attendance of the Homeowner Orientation class is required in order to receive an Application for Homeownership.

Types of Homes Available

Habitat builds single-family homes and townhouses. All homes come with our standard Homeowners Warranty and are Energy Star rated. Depending on the size of your family when you apply, we build homes with two to five bedrooms and one or two bathrooms.

Choosing a Location

Habitat for Humanity builds throughout Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando Counties, where we can find affordable land. The Application for Homeownership includes a section where you choose a location preference. 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. 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 36 homeownership classes and complete 350 to 450 sweat equity hours. Upon approval, you will be required to pay $500 towards the total closing cost of $2,000 within the first week. The second $500 will be due prior to lot selection. The final $1,000 will be paid through monthly installments of $80 or greater throughout your time in the program until the total is met. You will also be required to have homeowners insurance paid in full at the time of closing (a cost of approximately $1,000 – $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 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 mortgage.

How Much Will My Mortgage Payments Be?

The cost of your mortgage payments will depend on the value of the land and the size of the home. This cost includes property taxes and homeowners’ insurance.

Earning Sweat Equity

Sweat equity is a new homeowner investing in their home or one for another family. It’s not a form of payment, but an opportunity to work alongside volunteers who give their time to bring to life a family’s dream of owning a home. Hours can be earned by volunteering on our construction sites, in the Habitat offices, and at our events.

The next step will be to create a profile in our system and complete a 15 minute online orientation session.

At the end of the orientation you will have the opportunity to register to attend one of our Homebuyer Application Sessions, where you will complete an application screening to learn if you are eligible for selection into the Habitat for Humanity program.

Are you a returning applicant? Click here to log back in.

Once you are approved:

You will be asked to sign a Covenant, or Partnership Agreement, which states the specifics of the program and your roles and responsibilities. Within the first week of approval, you will be required to pay $500 towards the total closing cost of $2,000. The second $500 will be due prior to lot selection. The final $1,000 will be paid through monthly installments of $80 or greater throughout your time in the program until the total is met.

Sweat equity begins. Single-adult households are required to complete a minimum of 350 sweat equity hours. Multiple-adult households are required to complete a minimum of 450 sweat equity hours. Homeowner candidates work in the office and on other families’ homes, before starting their own home.

You must complete 36 homeownership classes and contribute $2,000 toward closing costs. You will also be required to have homeowners insurance paid in full at the time of closing (a cost of approximately $1,000 – $1,500).

The Habitat Homeowner Education Program is presented by: