Habitat Homeowner Resources
We're happy to have you in the Habitat for Humanity family! On this page you'll find resources to help you as a Habitat homeowner, as well as information about upcoming Habitat events.
Have you heard about the Winter Home Celebration? Join us on Thursday, February 20th at the Minnesota Children's Museum for a fun night celebrating the joys of homeownership with the Habitat community!
Important Updates
Solar Incentives for Homeowners
Recent changes to utility rebates and tax incentives make now a great time to explore going solar for Habitat homeowners:
- As of January 1, 2024, ALL Habitat homeowners are eligible for Xcel Energy’s Solar Rewards Program. This program provides a significant up-front incentive for installing solar panels PLUS a 10 year annual production incentive.
- The federal Inflation Reduction Act provides tax credits for solar installations at a minimum of 30% and as high as 70% of installation cost depending on location and income.
3 benefits of going solar:
- Monthly savings on utility bills
- Long-term protection from utility price increases
- Reducing CO2 emissions is good for the environment
Twin Cities Habitat invites you to explore solar through one of our trusted partners:
All Energy Solar
Charles Mollenkamp: (612) 248-0560
All Energy Solar is a local provider that has been installing solar in the Twin Cities since 2009. They provide full solar panel installation service as well as financing. A new program offering could mean no-cost solar installation for a limited number of homeowners.
Apadana Solar
Andy Goke: (612) 470-1393
Apadana is a local full service solar provider, helping homeowners to maximize their solar resources and navigate financial incentives. They are a certified small, minority owned business enterprise ranked highly by solar industry organizations.
Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF)
Chris Loch: (612) 568-2334
Cooperative Energy Futures is a local cooperative with a focus on serving low-income populations. Their Affordable Solar Program offers rooftop solar at no upfront cost, and their community solar gardens are available when rooftop solar isn't a good fit.
Solar United Neighbors (SUN)
Bobby King: (612) 293-7267
SUN is a non-profit that helps homeowners get rooftop solar by using their group buying power to get the best price and service from a local installer. Their group buys are free to join and there is no obligation to go solar. SUN can also help with any questions you have about going solar.
SunShare
Daisy Molina: (562) 480-5285
SunShare's Community Solar Program allows homeowners and renters in Minnesota's Xcel Energy service territory to subscribe to a local solar garden without installing equipment on their property. Income-qualified participants receive a 20% discount on their SunShare subscription, contributing to a greener future while enjoying guaranteed savings year-round!
** Top Tip: Get quotes from at least 3 companies before selecting any contractor. A full list of solar installers who have agreed to the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) code of conduct can be found at: www.mnseia.org
Maintenance Funds
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and Amerinat have distributed all remaining homeowner maintenance funds.
If you have questions about the distribution or your mortgage, please contact Amerinat Customer Service at 800-943-1988 or customerservice@amerinatls.com
Homeowner Resources
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Most requested resources
Here are the most requested resources for homeowners.
- Homeowner Manual for Habitat-Developed Homes*
- Habitat Homeowner Resource Packet (received at closing)
- Warranty guide*
- Maintenance checklist*
- Mortgage login (AmeriNat) >
*These documents are PDF files. You may need to download Adobe Acrobat.
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Other Habitat programs
Home Repair: While the A Brush with Kindness program is no longer accepting applications for home repair projects, we have provided additional resources that are available on the Home Repair page. These resources include home repair help, assistance with home chores for seniors, weatherization programs, and more.
Foreclosure Prevention: We want you to stay in your home. Habitat provides free counseling, advocacy, and resources to homeowners behind on mortgage payments or property taxes.
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Homeowner discounts
All Habitat homeowners get a 20% OFF discount at ReStore, Twin Cities Habitat's home improvement outlets. ReStore has a variety of furniture, building materials, flooring, appliances, lighting, and more, all at great prices.
Simply mention you are a Habitat homeowner at the register/cashier to get this deal.
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Volunteer and Learn
Continue your journey with Twin Cities Habitat as a homeowner! Through our new Volunteer and Learn program, you can learn how to maintain your home, reach your next financial goal, volunteer on site and gain new skills, create your own projects, participate in exclusive events, and more. The best part? Connect with homeowners just like you!
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Share your story and stay connected
Every Habitat homeowner has a powerful story to share. You can support more families by writing a blog, speaking at events, advocating for affordable housing at the Capitol, or participating in an interview with Habitat staff. In many cases, we will provide you with a gift card to recognize your contribution.
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Refer others to Habitat
We need your help to reach more Habitat homeowners. Please refer family and friends to Habitat's programs by sharing a link to home.tchabitat.org where they can find out if they are eligible for the homeownership program.
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Carter Work Project honoraria information
For Homeowners Who Participated in the 2024 Carter Work Project
We appreciate the time and energy it takes for our homeowners and homebuyers to move our mission forward through participation in the Carter Work Project. As partners, we recognized this contribution by honorarium. An honorarium is a one-time payment made in gratitude for volunteering your time.
If distributed gift cards or checks exceeded $600 in a year, funds will need to be included as income on state and federal taxes.
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COVID-19 Mortgage Assistance
If you are experiencing a financial hardship due to COVID-19 and have concerns about paying your mortgage with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity or TCHFH Lending, Inc., please contact one of the following:
- AmeriNat at (800) 943-1988 or covid19relief@amerinatls.com
- Brooke Buchanan, Mortgage Servicing Coordinator, at 612-305-7193 or brooke.buchanan@tchabitat.org
We know that some Habitat homeowners have received misleading offers to help with mortgage assistance or foreclosure prevention from other parties that are not Habitat. Some of you have also received calls offering to purchase your home. Please do not respond to these offers. Working directly with Habitat as your lender is your best option. **Update: HomeHelpMN is no longer accepting applications.
Helpful readings for Habitat Homeowners:
Homeowner Tips
5 min read
What Will Fail a Home Inspection? Seven Items to Look Out For
3 min read
Credit Scores, Medical Debt, and Buying a Home