Homeowner Application
About The Process
Application Pause: Summer Break Notice
Thank you for your interest in our program! We are currently not accepting applications due to a scheduled summer break pause. We appreciate your patience and encourage you to sign up for email alerts via the form below to be notified when our application process is reopen.
📬 Stay in the Loop!
Want to be the first to know when applications reopen?
Fill out our Interest Form below, and we’ll send you updates as soon as there’s news to share.
👉 Click here to join our Interest List
We look forward to connecting with you soon!
An affordable home is within reach with a 0% interest mortgage through the Habitat Homeownership program.
Habitat for Humanity partners with families and individuals in Pinellas, West Pasco, and Hernando Counties who do not qualify for a traditional mortgage. The Habitat Homeownership Program prepares homeowner partners to be successful homeowners through an education curriculum of 38 classes, from budgeting to home maintenance, and the completion of 350-450 sweat equity hours.
Step 1
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:
| # IN HOUSEHOLD | MINIMUM YEARLY INCOME (GROSS) | MAXIMUM YEARLY INCOME (GROSS) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,950 | $58,450 |
| 2 | $25,050 | $66,800 |
| 3 | $28,200 | $75,150 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $83,450 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $90,150 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $96,850 |
| 7 | $48,650 | $103,500 |
| 8 | $54,150 | $110,200 |
*HUD Requirements 2025
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 2025 HUD guidelines.
Step 2
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 townhomes. Single-family homes offer the traditional type of living and may include a small yard which is maintained by the homeowner. These types of homes are primarily being built in Pasco County and Hernando County with a few offerings in Pinellas County. Townhome living offers the convenience of a single-family home but adds the benefits of less maintenance and more square footage (in most cases). Townhomes are currently the primary type of home being built by Habitat in Pinellas County.
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 38 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.
Step 3
Applications Are Closed for Summer — But Your Journey Starts Now.
From June 1 through August 31, the Habitat for Humanity homeownership application is taking a summer break. During this time, we’re not accepting new applications — but this is the perfect opportunity to get prepared.
We encourage you to subscribe below to receive resources, tips, and next steps
 to help get you prepared for when applications reopen.
________________________________________
🧱 Introducing: Foundations First
Foundations First is our new email resource series designed to help future applicants:
✅ Understand income and eligibility requirements
✅ Get financially prepared and “loan ready”
✅ Build strong budgeting habits
✅ Gather required documents
✅ Learn what it takes to partner with Habitat for Humanity
By the time applications reopen, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running — confident and prepared.
________________________________________
📬 Want to be ready when applications reopen?
Join the Foundations First email list for tips, tools, and updates.
________________________________________
Need a little more assistance with preparing to apply?
Join one of our application preparation sessions!
Are you a returning applicant? Click here to log back in.
Step 4
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 38 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:
For those that do not fit the qualifications of the homeownership program, we have put together a list of additional area resources.
City of Clearwater – Homeownership Rehabilitation
City of Largo – Home Rehab Program
Pinellas County – Home Repair Loan Program
City of Pinellas Park – Home Improvement Matching Reimbursement Grants
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.