To celebrate National Homeownership Month, we're sharing educational resources for homebuyers and homeowners written by some of our closest partners. This post was provided by Sunrise Banks. In addition to sponsoring homebuilding projects, Sunrise Banks currently provides underwriting and origination services for new Twin Cities Habitat home loans.

Becoming a homeowner is an exciting rite of passage. 

But buying a house is also a complicated process that includes reams of paperwork, legal jargon and a formidable test of one’s financial stability.  

To celebrate National Homeownership Month, we're sharing educational resources for homebuyers and homeowners written by some of our closest partners. This post was provided by the Minnesota Homeownership Center, which promotes and advances successful homeownership in Minnesota.

Guest blog written by Bill Gray, Stakeholder Relations Director, Minnesota Homeownership Center

Homeowners Insurance

Understanding how homeowners insurance works is an important part of successful homeownership.

We recently held a Stories of Home Contest where we asked Twin Cities Habitat homeowners to share a story answering the question: "What does your home mean to you?" Here's one of the winning stories in the homeowner's own voice. Story and photos shared with their permission.

Written by Daniel Onyancha, Habitat Homeowner since 2017.

To celebrate National Homeownership Month, we're sharing educational resources for homebuyers and homeowners written by some of our closest partners. This post was provided by Thrivent Federal Credit Union. Thrivent Financial is the largest sponsor of Habitat for Humanity nationally and here in the Twin Cities. Over 14 years, Thrivent has contributed more than $10 million to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.

When it comes to taking out or refinancing a mortgage, there’s a lot to consider. Review this list of 10 tips to make sure your loan process will go smoothly, and remember that the best policy is to always consult your loan officer.

Guest blog by Pam Johnson
Policy and Advocacy Manager at Twin Cities Habitat

Over the last few months, Twin Cities Habitat housing advocates have been advocating at the State Capitol for our affordable housing legislative priorities. How did our hard work pay off? Read more to find out!

Guest Blogger:
Noah Keller, Lead Project Manager and Global Engagement Coordinator

We are excited to announce a Twin Cities Habitat Global Village trip to Ethiopia! Habitat Ethiopia is one of Twin Cities Habitat's partner affiliates and we are looking forward to returning there November 1-10, 2019. We will be building homes and/or working on WASH (Water and Sanitation Health) projects to support partner families in Addis Ababa. These projects will be fueled by teamwork, and hard working volunteers like you. No previous construction experience is necessary. All tools, site supervision, and in-country logistics support will be provided by Habitat Ethiopia staff.

Guest blog by Polina Montes de Oca, Neighborhood Revitalization Program Manager

Have you heard? Jordan Week of Kindness (JWOK) is just around the corner, coming up on Saturday, June 1, 2019 on 27^th and Russell Ave. North in Minneapolis. This is our fourth year collaborating on a block beautification event with the Jordan Area Community Council (JACC) in the Jordan neighborhood of Minneapolis. JWOK is much more than just a block party. It’s a week-long, collaborative partnership with the Jordan neighborhood association to bring community members and residents together in beautifying the Jordan neighborhood, one block at a time.

Guest blog written by Adrienne Aarts, Leadership Giving Officer

It’s been five years since Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity built our flagship headquarters on University Avenue in St. Paul. We are celebrating because in that time, we have had the space to grow and change to better serve local families and to support our mission of eliminating poverty housing in the Twin Cities.

We recently held a Stories of Home Contest where we asked Twin Cities Habitat homeowners to share a story answering the question: "What does your home mean to you?" Here's one of the winning stories in the homeowner's own voice. Story and photos shared with their permission.

Written by DeAngela Flournoy, Habitat Homeowner since 1997.

Hi, my name is DeAngela Flournoy, I was blessed with my home in 1997 through Habitat for Humanity. It was the first Habitat home to be built in Bloomington, MN. 

Back then I guess what home meant to me was a place to live, something nice to have your family own and be in. It wasn’t till ten years later and now, that you really understand what a HOME really means.

Guest blog by AmeriCorps Construction Volunteer Facilitator, Mickey