Home Ownership - Schedules and Locations

Family Search Schedule
Information Session Schedule
Location, Description, and Cost of Homes

Family Search Schedule

Habitat runs informational sessions every few months. We give out specific details that every potential homeowner needs to know to see if they are or can become eligible. There may be things that you can learn that will help you present a better application when the time comes and you can apply. Check the link to the informational session schedule for the next session date.

Each year the Board of Directors decides on the building schedule for the upcoming year. This decision is based upon our land availability, access to our volunteer builders, and the fundraising capacity that we can support. It will be decided when to allow applications to the site(s) to be built can be submitted.

We are now building in Amherst and Florence and will continue to build in Amherst until 4 houses are built. This year we are working on the fourth house. In Florence we are nearing completion of the first two houses and will continue until 5 are done.

Information Session Schedule

If you are interested in applying for a Habitat home, you must attend an information session to receive an application. Its purpose is to introduce partner families to the Habitat organization and process, with advice on how to get ready to be a successful applicant. The information will apply to all future sites. Check this website in the upcoming months for details.

To get on the list of prospective homeowners, call the Pioneer Valley Habitat office at (413) 586-5430 or email us at
info@pioneervalleyhabitat.org

Location, Description, and Cost of Homes

PVH is currently building at two locations:

Amherst, Stanley Street, off South East Street – the fourth of a group of four single-family homes is now under construction and a family has been selected for that home. This is also two-story, three bedrooms.
Florence, Garfield Avenue – the second side of a duplex zero lot line building. Families have been selected for both sides already, but 3 more single family houses will be built on this site in years to come. We are beginning the first single family soon. These are two-story, three bedrooms generally.

Cost:

Mortgages (with no profit, no interest) are written to cover costs that Habitat incurs and homeowners should plan to budget about 30% of their income toward their monthly housing costs. This housing cost amount covers your mortgage, escrowed taxes; an allotment for home insurance, a utilities allowance, condo fee (if home is a condo). Habitat mortgages are for 20-30 years.

Keep in mind that as a homeowner you will now have to pay for home repairs and other housing costs like trash pickup and snow removal that a renter does not pay.