OWN A HOME
BUILDING DREAMS TOGETHER
With the support of St. Tammany Parish, the St. Tammany Homeownership Center was created by Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West to help more local residents achieve and sustain homeownership. The Center is staffed by experienced, certified homeownership counselors and instructors. We serve a wide range of St. Tammany Parish homebuyers. Some of our clients go on to apply with local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, and some take one of several other paths to homeownership based on their individual needs. We also serve local homeowners in need of home repairs and accessibility modifications.
We provide a range of services to help people explore, prepare for, and sustain homeownership. Most services fall into two categories: counseling and classes. For more information: Contact Kayla Willie at Ext 246 or email kwillie@habitatstw.org.
COUNSELING SERVICES
Homeownership Counseling:
Experienced counselors work with you to determine your mortgage readiness. We will evaluate your credit, and other key components of the type of financing chosen, and together we will develop a plan to overcome any credit or savings obstacles and continue to support you through the entire home buying process.
Home Repair/Rehabilitation Counseling:
Experienced counselors work with you to provide information on available community resources, and help qualified homeowners apply for repair grants and affordable repair loans to finance health and safety related home repairs.
CLASSES AVAILABLE
Registration is mandatory for the following classes. Contact information is listed.
Homebuyer Training:
Guides potential buyers through all steps of the home buying process, and provides information on protecting and preserving their home and investment. The 12-hour workshop consists of four 3-hour evening classes held over two weeks, and is held every other month. Fee associated with class. For schedule information or to sign up contact Kayla Willie at Ext 246 or email kwillie@habitatstw.org.
Financial Fitness:
Teaches basic financial and money management concepts and skills, with an emphasis on building financial responsibility and long-term financial success. It combines hands-on activities and small group discussion with the fundamentals of sound money management. The 12-hour workshop consists of four 3-hour evening classes held over two weeks. It is held every other month. Fee associated with class. For schedule information or to sign up contact Kayla Willie at Ext 246 or email kwillie@habitatstw.org.
Home Maintenance:
Buying a home is just the first step. You need the knowledge to care for what is likely to be the biggest investment you’ll ever make…your new home. These classes are designed to help new homeowners understand basic home systems and preventive maintenance. They help you understand and plan for the responsibilities of homeownership. Instruction, discussion and hands-on practice are used. For schedule information or to sign up contact Kayla Willie at Ext 246 or email kwillie@habitatstw.org.
TO APPLY WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ST. TAMMANY WEST:
1. You must live or work in west St. Tammany Parish
2. Your yearly family income must fall into the range below:
3. Your current housing must be:
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Substandard– problems with heat, water, electricity or structure
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Inadequate– not suited for a family member who has a limitation
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Dangerous– located in unsafe or unsanitary conditions
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Overcrowded
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Temporary
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Too Expensive
4. Print out and complete the following documents:
Once complete, call the Homeownership Center for an appointment or for more information.
* 30 – 80% of area median income
TO AFFORD A HABITAT HOME, WE MUST DETERMINE THAT:
1. Your income is steady and stable over time
2. Income will allow you to save for closing costs
3. You can afford the monthly mortgage payments along with your other debts
4. Your credit report and current debts show satisfactory payment history. If you have credit problems, help is available. Contact us for more information.
For more information, call (985) 893-3172, ext 246
HOME OWNER FAQ
Where are Habitat houses built?
Habitat STW is currently building houses primarily in Abita Springs and Covington and occasionally in Mandeville. We are always searching for new land and our building locations can change according to what land becomes available. Our service area includes Abita Springs, Covington, Folsom, Madisonville and Mandeville.
Can you build on my land?
Whether or not we can build on a particular plot of land is determined on a case-by-case basis. If you are accepted into Habitat's program, we will look into your particular lot to see if it is possible for us to build on it. Some common considerations in this decision are the state of the land, its location, its size and our construction schedule.
What do the houses look like?
The motto of Habitat for Humanity is to build simple, decent, affordable housing. Our houses are not extravagant – instead they are meant to provide a safe and decent home for a family that would not otherwise be able to afford one. Habitat STW houses are 1000-1300 sq ft, and have 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms and 1.5 – 2 bathrooms. The size of the house is determined based on family size. Houses come with central air, a refrigerator and a stove. The homebuyer chooses the color of the siding, shutters, floors, cabinets, & countertops.
How much does it cost?
In accordance with our mission and purpose, Habitat houses are sold at no-profit, with an affordable mortgage. Monthly payments include property tax and insurance escrows, and are designed to be affordable for the individual buyer.
If I get a Habitat house, does Habitat still own it?
No. For most purposes, Habitat houses function just like any other house. Once you sign the mortgage, if you keep making your mortgage payments, the house is yours. If you pass on, you can will it to your children or members of your family just like any other house. If you choose to sell the house, Habitat STW has the first right of refusal (the option to buy it back before you sell it to anyone else).
What is included in a Habitat Homebuyer partnership?
Where can I get more information?
Please contact us at (985) 893-3172 ext 246. You may also print out and complete your Personal Profile Form and Instructions and Initial Budget Form. After completion please call the Homeownership Center for an appointment at (985) 893-3172 ext 246.