Why Real Estate Agents Should Rethink Down Payment Assistance
Posted at 10:15 AM on May 18, 2022
To say the housing market is tough is an understatement. Anyone working in real estate can tell you first-hand stories of homes...
To say the housing market is tough is an understatement. Anyone working in real estate can tell you first-hand stories of homes...
Most people don’t think much about the intersection of racism and the home appraisal process, but systemic racism still exists in...
There is nothing quite as exciting as buying your first home. It’s such a big deal – life-changing, in so many ways. You want to...
May is National Pet Month! We know you love your fuzzy friends at home, and keeping them healthy and happy is a priority for...
Pictured: Jesse Mamaril, U.S. Bank Assistant Vice President andCommunity Affairs Project Manager
We are pleased to announce that Stefni Bell has joined Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity as the new Controller to lead our...
The Board of Directors at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity welcomes Sharon Sayles Belton as the newly elected Board Chair, in...
Guest blog by Brianna MurphyEvents & Communications AssociateHabitat for Humanity of Minnesota
In the words of Governor Tim Walz,...
It feels good to give. Yes, even on your birthday. In fact—even more so on your birthday, because you can have your family and...
In today’s hot housing market it can be hard to know how much to offer on a home. There are stories everywhere about buyers...
We are pleased to announce that David Milton has joined Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity as the new Chief Financial Officer....
If you are reading this, that likely means you are moving to a new apartment or home. If that is the case, congratulations! As...
Guest Blog by McKinsie Clyde Twin Cities Habitat Site Supervisor
I started working with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity in 2008...
Are you ready for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity's first in-person Gala in two years?! Our Hard Hat & Black Tie Gala is coming...
Saturday, April 23 is nearly upon us - which means it's time to start thinking about which incredible auction items you'll be...
We’re back again with another AmeriCorps Service week! Typically, AmeriCorps cohorts across the nation gather to serve the...
With the 2022 Legislative Session halfway over, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is gearing up for its 3rd Annual Virtual Hill...
Guest blog by Laura Tanner, Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officer
No matter what lender you use to buy a home, you will need to gather fairly extensive financial documents in order to go through...
April 1, 2022 Update: Masks are now optional regardless of vaccination status for all staff, volunteers, and visitors to our...
Not only have our ReStore Home Improvement Outlets expanded their pickup radius, but we also have some great tips and tricks for...
Buying a home comes with many different expenses that need to be considered. What is your overall price range? What kind of ...
At long last…spring has arrived! At Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, we know a thing or two about building quality homes and...
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, along with Habitat for Humanity International and 84 U.S. Habitat affiliate organizations,...
It’s estimated that people spend about 90% of their lives indoors. This highlights how important our homes are to our overall...
On Thursday, March 10, we put out a call out to support Habitat's emergency Ukraine response. In less than five days, donors...
The Hard Hat & Black Tie Gala will be here in less than two months! On Saturday, April 23, join us in person at The Depot –...
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity supporters advocate for affordable homeownership across all levels of government. In our local...
Are you someone who likes to learn new things and doesn’t shy away from a challenge? Perhaps you’re wanting to give back to your...
Buying your first home is a complex process (here’s a guide that could help you). A big part of it is selecting the right...
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity provides opportunities for individuals and groups to volunteer year-round across the...
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity sends a heartfelt thank you to Lissa Jones-Lofgren and Deborah Watts for joining our celebration...
Whether 2022 will be another frenzied year in real estate or things finally cool off a bit, finding strategies to actually get...
As you’ve dreamed about the best ways to buy a house - and you’ve no doubt gone online and looked at home listings - you may have...
This blog was originally published in 2018. We're re-sharing it for Valentine's Day with an update from Kathleen and Kyle. Read...
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was first passed by the federal government on March 11, 2021 to bring economic aid caused by...
Realtors can play a critical part in reducing the racial disparities in homeownership rates in the Twin Cities and across...
Whether you want to get a jump on spring cleaning, learn to install your own flooring (and buy some from ReStore at a great...
Over the last few years, historically low interest rates have helped make it more affordable for many people to buy their first...
“We sometimes see a small drop in volunteers during winter months,” says Engagement Associate, Lizzy Reilly. That’s why the...
Bare trees, fallen snow, and cold temperatures don't usually make people think of house hunting, but maybe they should! While...
Through all our advocacy work, Habitat strives to emphasize the importance of affordable homeownership to leaders in local,...
Guest Blog by Andrew YorkConstruction Volunteer Facilitator & AmeriCorps Member
Have you ever made a big life decision that was...
Throughout January, we're showering gratitude on all the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity supporters who make our mission...
We are so excited to announce Erin Jordan as our new Director of Marketing and Communications! Erin started this week and has...
Family has always been important to Cynthia. So much so that after working for FedEx for 26 years, she retired early in 2012 in...
Throughout January, we're showering gratitude on all the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity supporters who make our mission...
Winters in Minnesota are well-known for being both cold and snowy, and we’ve certainly had a lot of both this year. Keeping your...
It is everyone’s favorite time of year, the start of new local budgets! This past December both Minneapolis and St. Paul adopted...
Deborah has fond memories of her childhood. Her mom was a natural host, and her home was always filled with people. Friends,...
2022 is in full swing, and if you're the type of person who likes to have some New Year's Resolutions, we've got some great ideas...
Time to look into the real estate crystal ball (and look at some data) to make predictions about what the trends will be in the...
During the holiday season, do you look forward to or dread the family table conversations? If you fall into the latter category...
With the extreme snow and cold we've come to expect during Minnesota winters, our team shares their tips on what you can do as a ...
We've all spent a lot of time at home this year. Whether it's been time spent working from home or learning from home, that space...
Looking for stocking stuffers or smaller gifts this holiday season? The Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore Outlets have...
There are many factors that go into determining how much money you will need to buy a house. While you may have considered the...
'Tis the season for giving, and there are so many ways to do it! From volunteering, to donating, to hand-crafting gifts for your...
How much do you really pay when you buy a home?
A loan you take out to buy a house is called a mortgage. The mortgage is usually...
Guest blog by Laura Tanner, Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officer
Home has never been more important. When you donate to Twin...
Great news! Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity recently introduced a new paid parental leave policy for employees.
Under this new...
Calling all Minnesotans! As the weather gets cooler and summer events wind to an end, do you find yourself looking for activities...
If you want to buy a home, the very first thing a real estate agent is going to tell you to do is to get pre-approved for a...
This year, like the year before it, has been incredibly challenging for most of us. That's why it's wonderful to have traditions...
You probably see them whenever you log into Facebook: fundraisers. You see your friends raising money for their favorite causes...
Most real estate agents, closers, and loan officers provide some form of a closing gift to their clients. If you work in real...
Guest blog by Molly Boland, Engagement Associate at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
After a long time off last winter and...
There are many reasons why you should donate to charity. Of course giving back to the community is great – but how does that...
Guest Blog by Shoreé Ingram, Director of Equity and Inclusion
There is an old adage that says, “When America gets a cold, Black...
Looking for a great way to give back to our community, stay active, meet outstanding people, learn something new, and eat yummy...
You may know that the Twin Cities often sits near the top of many quality of life measures, including lists related to...
Guest Blog by Robyn Lodahl, HR Coordinator, and Blake MacKenzie, Communications Specialist
It takes everyone to make Twin Cities...
At Habitat, we often say that receiving the keys to your new home is the exciting beginning of your homeownership journey. But an...
In this edition of the ReStore Recap, take a look at how the different ways you support Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity have...
As the weather gets cooler, most of us are closing our windows and getting ready to turn the heat on in our homes. But as we all...
We put a hold on most volunteering over the last year due to COVID-19 but we're back in action with safety precautions in place!...
Stable, affordable homeownership is essential for public health, racial equity, and generational wealth building. And owning a...
If you’re in the market for your first home and are lucky enough to have a 401(k) through your work, you might be wondering if...
Ranked Choice Voting is growing in popularity both within Minnesota and across the country (see every place in the United States...
Brady served as the Volunteer Coordinator during his term, building and maintaining the volunteer base for various Habitat...
The 10th Annual Virtual Hope Builders Fundraising Luncheon is just around the corner! Join us on Thursday, October 7 at noon for ...
Susan has long been involved with her community in one way or another. Whether it’s volunteering with her church, Girl Scouts, or...
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is an advocate for encouraging democratic participation through voting. This year, many cities...
This blog has been updated to include information about a recent Twin Cities Habitat event.
On Thursday, October 7, Twin Cities...
Whether you are a homeowner, volunteer, supporter, client, advocate, team member, or neighbor, you are part of a very special...
Guest Blog by Noah Keller, Lead Homebuilding Project Manager
The unofficial Global Village theme of FLEXIBILITY came in handy...
You're invited to join the 10th Annual Hope Builders Virtual Fundraising Luncheon, presented by Women of Habitat, on Thursday,...
A few weeks ago, we had an amazing time in South St. Paul for Rainbow Build. Volunteers from US Bank, Andersen, and our volunteer...
A tragedy left Sofiya devastated. She found hope in her Habitat home. This is her story. (Content warning: death of a child.)
...
Fall is approaching and that means it's back-to-school time. See how you can save on new furniture for the dorm room during the...
On August 3, eight state legislators from across the Twin Cities gathered to volunteer with Habitat for the second annual Red...
Guest blog by Jesse Lindsey,Homeownership Preservation Assistant
With great pleasure, TCHFH Lending, Inc. is pleased to announce...
Guest blog by Adrienne Aarts, Leadership Giving Officer
After taking a year off in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions, Twin Cities...
Guest blog by Jesse Lindsey, Homeownership Preservation Assistant
Last week, Hennepin County launched the Hennepin County...
Guest blog by Bryce, Regular volunteer & Pax Christi Crew organizer
I am a retired social worker from Hennepin County. One of my...
Are you interested in buying your first home, but can’t afford a down payment? While traditional mortgages generally require a...
Before the pandemic caused major upheaval in the housing market, fall and winter were often considered the best time to buy for...
Guest Blog by Mike Robertson, A Brush with Kindness Program Manager
We're celebrating a big milestone with Twin Cities Habitat...
Guest blog by Molly Boland, Engagement Associate
Since the fall of 2020, Twin Cities Habitat has conducted remote meetings and...
Guest blog by Laura Tanner, Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officer
August typically signifies the end of the summer and the...
Retirement is a time of celebration and relaxation. But for some, leaving work, friends, and the routine behind can be a...
Guest Blog by Pam Johnson and Blake MacKenzie
It takes a lot of motivation and dedication to be a runner—especially when you want...
The pandemic reminded us all of the importance of home. It’s where we spent all our time and the one place where we could feel...
Imagine, for a moment, the sounds of a Habitat construction site. Hammers striking nails. Table saws whirring. Celebratory cheers...
As the season heats up, cool down with the latest ReStore Recap! Learn how to refurbish furniture in need of new life, DIY your...
For the past year, Habitat Home Celebrations have been on hold, but this hasn't stopped us from celebrating the amazing...
The Minnesota state legislature adjourned its special session on July 7, and Habitat is thrilled to see a number of our main...
Over the past few months, we asked Habitat Homeowners to share what their home has meant to them during COVID-19 as part of the...
From the outside, buying a home can sometimes look easier than it is. In theory, it’s straightforward enough – provide the needed...
Not a lot has changed about volunteering since Dawn first joined Habitat for Humanity – but you could say a lot has changed about...
Site Supervisors are extremely fundamental to Twin Cities Habitat's mission. We truly could not operate and further affordable...
The fight for a more equitable and just world takes many forms. During the last year, we’ve witnessed a global movement for Black...
Guest blog by Jesse Lindsey, Homeownership Preservation Assistant
Homeownership is a fundamental part of building strong...
Welcome back, volunteers! As of late June 2021, all of us at Habitat are thrilled to welcome back volunteers in full force. Find...
Co-authored by Shoreé Ingram, Director of Equity and Inclusion, Shereese Turner, Chief Program Officer, and Kaitlyn Dormer,...
June 2021 Update: Judy Murakami celebrated her volunteer retirement this month after coordinating the Holy Hammers faith...
As the season heats up, cool down with the latest ReStore Recap! Learn how to refurbish furniture in need of new life, DIY your...
Many Habitat homeowners have been working the front lines of this pandemic. They are healthcare workers, janitors, delivery...
Julia had just finished pulling weeds in the yard of her Habitat home in the Jordan neighborhood of North Minneapolis. Sitting on...
For the last five years, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and Jordan Area Community Council (JACC) have hosted Jordan Week of...
Have you been considering buying a home with Habitat, but you're not sure where to start? Join us at an upcoming Habitat...
Guest Blog by Alijhen Rosado, Advocacy Intern
I had the pleasure of interning with the Policy and Advocacy team at Twin Cities...
When you think you might be ready to buy your first home, who do you talk to first? Before going to a loan officer or a realtor,...
Guest Blog by Mike Robertson, A Brush with Kindness Program Manager
Buying your first home is such a big deal. There are so many emotions when you are handed the keys and your journey as a new...
The path to homeownership can seem intimidating without a guide. Do you know you want to buy a home but aren't sure if you're...
Warmer weather means it’s a great time to get outside. Are you looking for some fun outdoor DIY projects? Take a look at our...
On Monday, April 5, Twin Cities Habitat celebrated the return of our regular crew volunteers! After a few months away due to...
This past Saturday, Twin Cities Habitat's Hard Hat & Black Tie Virtual Gala turned out to be the best sLumber Party of the year —...
How do we build wealth in communities we haven’t invested in for generations?
“It’s got to be sustainable,” says Sammy, the...
Each year, Habitat supporters from across Minnesota come together to ask our state lawmakers to prioritize affordable...
As you get older, you may become more dependent on others. But your independence as a senior doesn't have to be defined by your...
All Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity locations are closed for the remainder of today, April 20 and all of tomorrow, April 21...
Are you ready to create homes from the comfort of yours? Our (virtual) Hard Hat & Black Tie Gala is coming up on Saturday, April...
Guest blog by Brady Tongen, Volunteer Coordinator and AmeriCorps Service Member
Each year, nonprofits and communities celebrate...
Every spring, AmeriCorps cohorts across the country spend a week performing service projects away from their host sites. Whether...
Racial equity and anti-racism are embedded in our mission, vision, and values. We strive to learn from our national and local...
The best virtual party of the year is just around the corner! Clear your calendar on Saturday, April 24 and join us at 7:00 p.m....
April in Minnesota has arrived, which means that all of us at Twin Cities Habitat are gearing up for the BEST party of the year!...
ReStore has been busy now that Spring is here! Continue to donate items that still have value, and stop by to pick up materials...
When weighing senior living options, cost is one of the first questions on many lists. "How much will I spend on assisted...
When you buy a home, how do you know what's a fair price? A home inspection can tell you if there are structural issues and a...
One year ago, I spent a good portion of my Saint Patrick’s Day in the Atlanta airport. It is not the place that any proud...
Have you ever wanted to know more about how our AmeriCorps office positions can help you meet your career goals? Twin Cities...
The path to homeownership is full of obstacles. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity helps make those obstacles easier to navigate,...
Before you buy a new home, the first thing you should do is determine what you can afford. Experts recommend that you spend no...
Buying a home with Habitat is transformative for a family in many ways. But every homeowner’s journey is unique. Some Habitat...
When you're looking at homes, you want a REALTOR® who can help you make the right choice. But there are certain kinds of...
To land their dream home in today’s ultra-competitive real estate market, buyers are making unexpected compromises. Making offers...
The Minnesota State Legislature kicked off its 2021 session on January 5. While many legislative meetings, committee hearings,...
Originally published November 20, 2020. Updated to reflect additional new board members and a new Executive Committee.
The Board...
If you're eligible for the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Financial Coaching Program, you will still need to submit your...
Guest blog by Avery Pelletier, Construction Volunteer Facilitator and AmeriCorps Service Member
Do you have a car you’re ready to get rid of? Consider making a Cars for Homes™ vehicle donation to benefit Twin Cities Habitat...
Guest blog by Shelby Schmidt, Senior Engagement Associate
Monday marks the kick-off of Habitat for Humanity’s International Women...
The Twin Cities Habitat Advocacy Team is excited to invite you to attend Virtual Hill Day in just a couple months! Since the...
If you’ve owned a home before, you might not consider yourself a first-time homebuyer. But don’t pass by those first-time...
There comes a time when all of us need to decide whether to stay at home or move to a more suitable place. It's not an easy...
As the coordinator of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) regular crew for Twin Cities Habitat, Mike Frisch has worked...
If you have questions about the ReStore, take a look at this Recap, since we'll be answering a lot of them! You'll also find a...
Across the housing industry, and within our own homeownership program, the rule of 30% has long been the standard in determining...
Each year, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity heads to Washington, DC for Habitat on the Hill, a federal advocacy conference hosted...
Whether you’re actively searching or simply thinking about starting to look for a home, you can put this time to good use by...
Amber and her children moved into their house in 2006. Her home was wonderful, but over time certain repairs came to be too much...
At some point in life, seniors realize they have a decision to make: "Can I stay at home instead of moving?" It could be due to...
Guest blog by Shelby Schmidt, Senior Engagement Associate
Over the last two weeks, you all have shown some love to Habitat and...
2020 was challenging, to say the least, and the Twin Cities housing market changed rapidly to keep up. While the world navigates...
Guest Blog by Jen LaCroix, Community Loan Officer
Appraisals tend to spark differing and strong opinions; ask any Realtor® or...
Throughout January, Twin Cities Habitat showered gratitude on all the amazing supporters and donors who make our mission...
The A Brush With Kindness regular crew is known as the "ARegs." The crew does a variety of work for homeowners looking for...
Guest blog by Molly Boland, Engagement Associate & Sean Koebele, Volunteer and Donor Engagement Manager
This week, we’re sharing...
Guest Blog by Allie Gaddis, Strategy and Impact Manager
“We all do better when we all do better” is a phrase we heard over and...
Guest Blog by Jake Kirchgessner, Director of Field Operations, with many contributions from Site Staff and AmeriCorps Members
...
Throughout the pandemic, A Brush With Kindness has continued to do health and safety repairs and exterior painting for...
Safety is one of the main reasons seniors move out of their houses. If you or a loved one are among the 90% of people who want to...
Guest blog by Jackie Peak, Senior Engagement Associate
Think back to the first moment you stepped on a Habitat construction site....
Though the program is only a couple of years old, Age Well at Home™ (formerly Age in Place) has already made an incredible...
Before buying a house, every person needs to have a home inspection. The professional who looks over the house will likely find...
The decision to live at home as an older adult can be a difficult one for loved ones, caretakers, and most of all, seniors...
Throughout January, we're showering gratitude on all the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity supporters who make our mission...
This blog is part of our Race & Housing series. Click here to learn more about this series and why it's important.
If you looked...
Guest blog by Shelby Schmidt, Senior Engagement Associate
WOW, we made it! With 2020 behind us, it’s time to celebrate the...
Guest blog by Maddie Christy, Construction Volunteer Facilitator and AmeriCorps Service Member
Following my sophomore year of...
Throughout January, we're showering gratitude on all the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity supporters who make our mission...
Small business owners can be the lifeblood of a community, but 2020 was particularly challenging for this group. That’s why Twin...
Throughout January, we're showering gratitude on all the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity supporters who make our mission...
When staying at home longer, seniors often look for ways to make life easier in the space they have. Modern technology is one of...
Happy New Year! We are happy to see 2020 wrap and look forward to a hopefully better, brighter 2021. ReStore Recap is here to...
As you get older and retire, you’ll likely spend more time in your home than you did previously. This is certainly the case for...
As we approach the end of 2020, it might be tempting to close the book on this turbulent year and not look back. But when we do...
Moving from your home can be an arduous process for anyone. For seniors, moving can affect physical, mental, and emotional...
Barry Mason has long been a dedicated volunteer at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. He and his wife, Sharon, first got involved...
The air is getting crisp, snow is beginning to fall, and loved ones prepare to hunker down for the winter. That must mean ‘tis...
Every adult should have the right to live independently, even as they age. That's the basis of Age Well at HomeTM (formerly Age...
Have you been wondering how a service term with AmeriCorps could help your career? We spoke with Heather Englander, a Twin Cities...
Guest Blog by Mike Robertson, A Brush with Kindness Program Manager
Feeling safe in your own home is central to being happy...
Guest Post by Lucinda Winter
Vera knows first-hand the benefits of growing up in a Habitat home. Vera, her mother Melo, and her...
Whether you’re buying your first home or your third, chances are you’ll find yourself looking for a mortgage lender. Since the...
We've all been there, empty-handed (or empty-carted) after hours of searching for the perfect gift. A quick Google search for...
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Opportunity housing agency and Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action employer.
TCHFH Lending, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender.
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Inc. NLMS #400065 | TCHFH Lending, Inc. NLMS #1482482