Tour the Minnesota Tool Library!

You're invited on a free tour of the Minneapolis and St. Paul locations of the Minnesota Tool Library. During the tours, you'll get to see the space, learn how to use basic tools, and learn about memberships and classes available for homeowners. The tool library improves communities by sharing tools, trade skills, and shop space and by reducing waste. Everyone is welcome, whether you're a novice or a skilled craftsperson. Enjoy a free tour in Minneapolis on Tuesday, May 7 and a free tour in St. Paul on Wednesday, May 8. You may register for one or both tours. 

Have fun at the Spring Home Celebration!

Join us for a festive, interactive event that celebrates the joys of homeownership! This event is FREE and open-house style—come and go as you please. Learn more and RSVP at the link below!

Homeowner Photo Contest coming in June!

During National Homeownership Month (June), we ask our homeowners to share a photo and caption of what home means to them. Winners receive gift cards! Look for more details in the coming weeks. 

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

Earlier this month, Habitat homeowners received a printed homeowner newsletter in the mail. Click here to view the PDF version of the newsletter. 

Volunteer & Learn

Continue your journey with Twin Cities Habitat as a homeowner through our new Volunteer and Learn program! Learn how to maintain your home, reach your next financial goal, create your own projects, and more. The best part? Connect with homeowners just like you! Check out upcoming FREE opportunities to Volunteer and Learn below. 

Minnesota Tool Library Tours
Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

6:30 - 8 p.m.

Tour the MN Tool Library locations in Minneapolis or St. Paul. Learn how to use common tools, and learn about memberships and classes for homeowners. Register now!

HOA IQ Power-Up
Saturday, June 1, 2024
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Do you live in a home that's part of a homeowner's association (HOA)? Learn more about HOAs, serving on your association's board, and making the most out of your membership. Register now!

Monthly Maintenance

Spring is here! As the weather warms, maintain your home with these simple tips:

• Open your windows and air out the house – fresh air makes everything better!
• Wipe down surfaces that have gathered dust over the winter, including ceiling fans if you have one. 
• Make sure your sump pump is working.  
• Turn the shut-off valves for exterior faucets to the on position. 
• Clean your garage floor. 
• Check your basement for water intrusion from snow melt. 
• Clean gutters and down spouts. 

Money Minute

Let's take a look at property taxes. Your property tax bill is composed of both local and state property taxes. Local property taxes help fund local programs and services, such as public schools, fire and police protection, streets, libraries, and more. State property taxes fund school districts, towns, cities, counties, and other special taxing districts. Property taxes are typically due in two equal installments on May 15 and October 15.  

Most Habitat homeowners pay their property taxes through escrow. Escrow is a savings account that is built within your mortgage servicer so that large payments for property taxes (and homeowner’s insurance) are covered by smaller monthly payments to the escrow account. The loan servicer (AmeriNat) will make these payments. When the costs of your property taxes or homeowners insurance change, this can increase or decrease the monthly payment you make to AmeriNat.  

Homesteading your property and applying for your property tax refund are two ways to reduce your tax burden. For more information about your property taxes, visit the MN Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Site. 

Partner Spotlight

The Minnesota Chapter of Community Associations Institute (CAI) serves the homeowner association industry throughout the Twin Cities. It provides valuable information, training, and resources for homeowners, volunteer board leaders, and professionals involved in homeowner associations (HOAs). Visit them at www.caionline.org or www.cai-mn.com for the Minnesota Chapter.

As a Habitat homeowner, you may be part of an HOA or you may simply have questions about what an HOA is. We invite you to attend HOA IQ Power-Up on Saturday, June 1 at Twin Cities Habitat's office to get your questions answered. This event will be presented by Tim Broms, Executive Director of CAI.  

Share Your Story With the Habitat Community

Every Habitat homeowner has a valuable story to share. Publicly sharing your homeownership experience inspires our community, provides awareness of homeownership, and helps more families buy homes. There are many ways to share your story. If interested, please email Jenny Sanford: jenny.sanford@tchabitat.org.