Why does Twin Cities Habitat have a home listed on the MLS?

We continue to process the pain and hope of our nation’s uprising for racial justice amid a global health crisis. You can see our recent statements on the uprising here, our COVID-19 web page here, and our Race & Housing resource center here. Expanding homeownership is a key component of racial equity and health, so our mission has never been more important—and we’ll continue to share the stories of Habitat’s work.

As a homebuilder, Twin Cities Habitat builds new homes and rehabs existing homes. To provide more housing options and maintain affordable prices for our first-time homebuyer clients, Twin Cities Habitat will purchase and lightly rehab homes on occasion.  

Sometimes these homes do not end up being a good fit for the homebuyers currently in our program and those properties are then listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). 

We recently listed a home on the MLS. Here are some things you should know about buying a Habitat home on the MLS.

Can anyone buy Habitat-owned homes listed on the MLS?

The purchase of these homes is only open to first-time homebuyers in a specific income bracket, usually below 80% of area median income (AMI). For more information, visit BuywithHabitat.org.

How do I make an offer on a Habitat home on the MLS?

A REALTOR® can directly submit an offer through the MLS to the listing agent just as you would with any home transaction. The offer will be reviewed by our homebuilding department and you will be contacted for next steps if your offer is accepted.

What are some of the benefits to purchasing a Habitat listed property?

Twin Cities Habitat lightly rehabs properties, with a focus on major mechanical components and updates to flooring and other aesthetics that are a priority to most first-time homebuyers. All of our homes come with a one-year warranty on all major mechanicals and on all work completed by Twin Cities Habitat or our subcontractors.

How do I get access to these homes before they hit the MLS?

By joining the Habitat Realtor Network, you will get access to the homes prior to listing on the MLS. Our Realtor Network is geared to educate real estate professionals on Twin Cities Habitat’s Homeownership program and to share our work to multiply homeownership opportunities for low- to moderate-income families in the Twin Cities region. Sign up for an upcoming class for Realtors here.