--- title: Homeownership Prequalification Process description: Start your journey to Habitat for Humanity homeownership. Learn about eligibility, income requirements, and sign up for our Foundations First series. image: https://info.habitattbg.org/hubfs/LLP%201200%20628.png --- ![](https://cnv.event.prod.bidr.io/log/cnv?tag_id=16194&buzz_key=dsp&value=&segment_key=&account_id=121&order=[ORDER]&ord=[CACHEBUSTER]) [![TampaBayGulfside\_Hz\_Black](https://info.habitattbg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Habitat%20Logos/TampaBayGulfside_Hz_Black.png?width=5582&height=2316&name=TampaBayGulfside_Hz_Black.png "TampaBayGulfside_Hz_Black")](http://habitattbg.org) Open main menu Close main menu - [About Habitat Homeownership](https://info.habitattbg.org/application) - [Pinellas Townhomes](https://info.habitattbg.org/townhome) - [West Pasco Homes](https://info.habitattbg.org/pasco) - [Hernando Homes](https://info.habitattbg.org/hernando) # Ready to Apply for Habitat for Humanity Homeownership? *Start here with our prequalification steps.* ### Homeownership is Within Reach: Start Your Path to Habitat Homeownership  ✔ $0 Down Payment ✔ 0% APR Mortgage ✔ No PMI Required Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside makes owning a home affordable and achievable.  Affordable homeownership is within reach—apply now or refer a friend today! *\*Subject to Habitat for Humanity program acceptance and completion. Mortgage financing is required through Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside.* Scroll below to learn more about the Habitat program's requirements and to complete a brief self-check list. You will then be asked to submit a non-refundable application fee to cover your soft credit check and application processing. This fee does not guarantee acceptance into the program. ![IMG\_0444](https://info.habitattbg.org/hubfs/Marketing/Stock%20Photos/IMG_0444.jpg "IMG_0444") #### QUESTION ## Does Habitat Give Homes Away for Free? ### Yes [Click Here](//javascript:postMessage({type:'HS_DISPLAY_CALL_TO_ACTION',id:192415723692});) ### No [Click Here](//javascript:postMessage({type:'HS_DISPLAY_CALL_TO_ACTION',id:192422150027});) ### Income Requirements You must not exceed the Maximum Yearly Income (Gross) based on the number of individuals in your household and meet other income–related guidelines. [Click here to learn more about the 2026 HUD guidelines.](https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html#data_2026)   *The income level required is based on the number of people who would be living in the home. This is between 30 percent and 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA (metropolitan statistical area). The numbers are based on guidelines adjusted each year and defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These figures include all forms of income: employment, public assistance, social security, disability, child support, etc. The ranges to the right reflect the 2026 HUD guidelines.* ![HUD AMI NUMBERS 2026](https://info.habitattbg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/HUD%20AMI%20NUMBERS%202026.png?width=350&height=490&name=HUD%20AMI%20NUMBERS%202026.png "HUD AMI NUMBERS 2026") *\*HUD Requirements 2026* # Program Requirements ![HFH\_ICON\_HOUSE\_BlackCircle](https://info.habitattbg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Habitat%20Logos/Icons/HFH_ICON_HOUSE_BlackCircle.png?width=75&height=75&name=HFH_ICON_HOUSE_BlackCircle.png "HFH_ICON_HOUSE_BlackCircle") ### A Housing Need Examples of a Housing Need:  \- Overcrowded conditions \- Paying a very high percentage of your income for rent (more than 30 percent) \- Unsafe, unsanitary conditions \- Substandard housing – with a leaky roof, poor heating or lacking proper plumbing --- ![HFH\_ICON\_HOUSE\_BlackCircle](https://info.habitattbg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Habitat%20Logos/Icons/HFH_ICON_HOUSE_BlackCircle.png?width=75&height=75&name=HFH_ICON_HOUSE_BlackCircle.png "HFH_ICON_HOUSE_BlackCircle") ### Live or Work in Our Service Area To apply for the Habitat for HumanityTampa Bay Gulfside program, you must have lived or worked in Pinellas, West Pasco, or Hernando County for at least one year. ![HFH\_ICON\_KEY\_BlackCircle](https://info.habitattbg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Habitat%20Logos/Icons/HFH_ICON_KEY_BlackCircle.png?width=75&height=75&name=HFH_ICON_KEY_BlackCircle.png "HFH_ICON_KEY_BlackCircle") Ability to Pay a Mortgage \- Have one year of steady, reliable income \- Meet other necessary income-related qualifications include a sufficient debt-to-income ratio, etc. \- Have reasonably good credit. We don’t require perfect credit. We consider families who demonstrate the ability to make regular payments on their bills. --- ![HFH\_ICON\_HEART\_BlackCircle](https://info.habitattbg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Habitat%20Logos/Icons/HFH_ICON_HEART_BlackCircle.png?width=75&height=75&name=HFH_ICON_HEART_BlackCircle.png "HFH_ICON_HEART_BlackCircle") ### Willingness to Partner \- Complete curriculum of 38 homebuyer education classes \- Complete 350 - 450 sweat equity hours (depending on household size) \- Contribute $2,000 toward closing costs, participate in initiatives, etc. ## Do you meet all of the requirements? After reviewing the application criteria above and confirming that you meet all requirements, please click the option below that best applies to you. ## I Want to Purchase a Townhome in Pinellas County ![Untitled design (15)-3](https://info.habitattbg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(15)-3.png?width=400&height=400&name=Untitled%20design%20(15)-3.png "Untitled design (15)-3") [Learn More](https://info.habitattbg.org/townhome) ## I Want to Purchase a  Home in West Pasco County ![Untitled design (3)-2](https://info.habitattbg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(3)-2.png?width=1080&height=1080&name=Untitled%20design%20(3)-2.png "Untitled design (3)-2") [Learn More](https://info.habitattbg.org/pasco) ## I Want to Purchase a Home in Hernando County ![Untitled design (11)](https://info.habitattbg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(11).png?width=400&height=400&name=Untitled%20design%20(11).png "Untitled design (11)") [Learn More](https://info.habitattbg.org/hernando) Not sure yet? We invite you to explore Foundations First, our education series designed to help future applicants: ✅ Understand income and eligibility requirements ✅ Get financially prepared and “loan ready” ✅ Build strong budgeting habits ✅ Gather required documents ✅ Learn what it takes to partner with Habitat for Humanity [View Modules](https://habitattbg.org/foundationsfirst/) [Subscribe for Updates](https://c0tm1.share.hsforms.com/2TjkhLJfESoK9Ob-L5rtSuQ) ![Equal Housing Opportunity Logo](https://info.habitattbg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Equal%20Housing%20Opportunity%20Logo.png?width=106&height=100&name=Equal%20Housing%20Opportunity%20Logo.png "Equal Housing Opportunity Logo") Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside is committed to Equal Housing Opportunity. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity. 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, disability, familial status, or national origin. Need Help or an Accommodation? If you require assistance to complete this form or need accommodations during the application process, please contact us at (727) 536-4755. ![TampaBayGulfside\_Hz\_White](https://info.habitattbg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Habitat%20Logos/TampaBayGulfside_Hz_White.png?width=2000&height=829&name=TampaBayGulfside_Hz_White.png "TampaBayGulfside_Hz_White")   **Administrative Headquarters** 14010 Roosevelt Blvd, Suite 704, Clearwater, FL 33762 Phone: 727-536-4755 Fax: 727-209-2191 **St. Pete Resource Center** 1350 22nd Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 **Construction Warehouse and Education Center** 13355 49th Street North, Suite B, Clearwater, FL 33762 **Pasco County Office** 7237 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654 **Hernando County Office** 15588 Aviation Loop Dr, Suite 2 Brooksville, FL 34604 ###### connect with us [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HabitatTampaBayGulfside) [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/HabitatTBG) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.youtube.com/user/HabitatTampaBayGulfside) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/habitattampabaygulfside) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/habitattampabaygulfside)   [apply](https://habitattbg.org/apply/) [volunteer](https://habitattbg.org/volunteer/)[donate](https://habitattbg.org/advocate/)[calendar](https://habitattbg.org/calendar/)[news](https://habitattbg.org/news/)[about us](https://habitattbg.org/about-us/)[contact us](https://habitattbg.org/contact-us/)