Building Shelter
Homeownership Program
STEP 1: Pre-Screening
The homeownership process starts with a Pre-Screening Application. You’ll also need to pay for a credit report, watch a short informational video, and take a quick quiz.
If you meet the program criteria, you’ll receive a link to our Encompass portal to complete the full application.
STEP 2: Credit Review & Document Request
After submitting your full application, our Intake Coordinator will review your credit report.
- If your credit doesn’t meet program requirements, we’ll connect you with either our in-house Credit Counselor or a HUD-certified housing agency for help.
- If your credit is acceptable, the Intake Coordinator will request all the documents needed for underwriting.
STEP 3: Uploading Documents
You’ll have 30 days to upload all requested documents to our secure portal.
Once we receive everything, a Processor will review your file. If anything is missing, we’ll let you know. When your file is complete, it moves to Underwriting for review.
STEP 4: Loan Review
During Underwriting, if you meet the program requirements, your loan will go to a second review by the Loan Committee.
Once a decision is made, we’ll let you know the next steps.
Building Stability
Buying a Habitat Home
Habitat for Humanity builds Strength, Stability and Self-Reliance in our community through homeownership.
Low-income individuals and families, who meet our eligibility criteria and who qualify for a Habitat mortgage, may choose to partner with Habitat Tampa Bay Hillsborough to build their dream of owning a home. Since we do not require a down payment, future homeowners invest in their homes through sweat equity hours. These hours can be accumulated building homes and volunteering at our ReStores.
Future homeowners pay Buyer’s closing costs and purchase their homes with an affordable mortgage.
Types of Homes Built
Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough is currently developing well-built, multi-family, single-family homes. As an indication of our commitment to quality, durability and sustainability, new homes are certified in compliance with Energy Star and Florida Water Star standards.
Location, Location, Location
Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough works to acquire affordable residential building lots throughout Hillsborough County. We offer home sites as land opportunities become available to us. **VETERANS are urged to apply through the VETERANS INITIAL PRE-APPLICATION SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE.**
Homeownership Qualifications
Homeowner applicants must have lived or worked in Hillsborough County for at least one year (the last 12 months) and meet the following criteria:
Homeownership FAQs
Looking to learn more about becoming a Habitat for Humanity homeowner? Our Homeownership FAQ answers the most common questions.
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 nationality.