habitat-for-humanity

Celebrate Homeownership Month by starting your journey to homeownership!

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 19:11:03 GMT

If you’ve been thinking about getting off the rental roller coaster and buying your own home, there’s no time like National Homeownership Month.

Owning your own home brings financial stability and security. Each month, you’re earning equity instead of passing a rent check to a landlord. You never have to worry about rent going up or having to move when your lease ends. Homeownership means putting down roots and taking charge of your financial future.

The housing market in Central Florida is hot right now, and new construction homes are selling out fast, with prices continuing to soar. Many middle- and lower-income families are finding themselves simply priced out of the market when it comes to buying real estate.

This is where Habitat Orlando Osceola can help! A Habitat home comes with all the benefits of a new house, without a hefty price tag. We offer low-cost mortgages with down payment assistance, plus financial education to help you manage your debt. At Habitat for Humanity, we want you to thrive in your new home and we will make sure you have the tools to succeed.

Find out more and start on your path to homeownership today! >>

Resources

Take the path to homeownership with Habitat Orlando & Osceola

8 signs you may be ready to buy a house

How to buy your new home virtually

Watch Habitat Orlando & Osceola's first-time homeowner orientation

How to choose the right landscaping to endure the Florida summer

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 20:14:21 GMT

What plants, flowers, and trees actually thrive in Florida’s hot climate - instead of just looking pretty for a few weeks, only to die a crispy death in our summer sun?

When buying a home, you’re going to spend a lot of time thinking about the inside of your new house but, don’t forget about the outside. Before you dig into planting a new garden, there’s a lot to consider like how much maintenance can you realistically keep up with, or can those beautiful spring tulips really survive the summer?

There are many choices at garden centers but what plants, flowers, and trees actually thrive in Florida’s hot climate - instead of just looking pretty for a few weeks, only to die a crispy death in our summer sun? That’s where Florida-friendly landscaping - xeriscaping - comes in.

Xeriscaping explained

Xeriscaping focuses on using native and drought-tolerant plants that don’t require a lot of water or upkeep, ones that are built to survive whatever Florida can throw at it. It follows a “right plant in the right place” principle, taking into consideration the amount of shade and sunlight in each area of your yard to help you choose the best plants.

One trick to xeriscaping is to group plants with similar watering needs together. This way, you’re focusing the right amount of water in the right place, without overwatering other plants that need less. Another is to plant more trees. Trees require less water than shrubs or flowers and will provide shade for your yard and home as they mature, lowering your energy bills.

Tree ideas

There are lots of Florida friendly trees to choose from: crepe myrtles, plumeria, or magnolia, just to name a few. There are also fruit trees. Avocados, bananas, and oranges can all sprout right in your own backyard. Of course, it wouldn’t be Florida without palm trees! A few that grow well in Central Florida are the pygmy date palm, sago or windmill. Palm trees can tower high into the air - like the 60+ foot tall Washington palm - or provide lower-lying ground cover - like the bushier scrub palmetto.

Reduce & retain stormwater

Another principle of xeriscaping is to reduce and retain stormwater runoff by directing the flow of rainwater to where is it needed most. You can do this through the use of hardscape (patios and pathways), grading (creating slopes to guide water), or dry creek beds – gravel-lined paths that fill with water when it rains but provide a decorative look when dry. After all, the main benefit of using Florida friendly landscaping is reducing water usage. This not only saves you money but helps to conserve Florida’s natural water sources - our springs and rivers that flow through the aquifer. You’ll also save money by having a vital, living landscape for years to come, versus having to make a run to the garden center every season to replace dead plants. Check out the Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping for more ideas.

Habitat homes include smart landscaping

All Habitat for Humanity homes are built with Florida-friendly landscapes in mind, incorporating drought-tolerant plants that will thrive as time goes by. We use Bahia grass for the lawn, which requires a lot less watering and maintenance than St. Augustine, plus each yard comes with a Southern Live Oak tree, which will provide a wonderful source of shade for your yard and home as it grows. You can add your personal touch to your new Habitat home with beautiful, low-maintenance xeriscape plants, creating a wonderful oasis while also conserving water, saving money and preserving native plants.

Wondering what plants will work in your yard? Download this handy guide designed just for Florida and see the wide variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers that will make your house a home.

Are you ready to begin your homeownership journey with Habitat Orlando & Osceola? Visit our page on the application process to learn more.

Take the path to homeownership with Habitat Orlando & Osceola

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 18:59:31 GMT

At Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County, we want to help you navigate through the challenges of becoming a homeowner. Our path may not be easy, but it is designed to help future homeowners develop the skills necessary to succeed as homeowners. From choosing your finishes to financing your home, let us walk you through the journey to become a homeowner!

Application approval. Check!

You’re on your way to becoming a homeowner! After carefully going through Habitat Orlando & Osceola’s application process, you have met our homeownership requirements [link to Our process page]: you have a need for affordable housing, the means to pay for your future Habitat home, and the willingness to partner with us.

Our staff will be in contact with you to go over the next steps, which we’ve outlined below.

Head back to “school” with Habitat U

Part of your homeownership journey includes attending eight classes that cover different aspects on homeownership. Learn everything from how to maintain your home to how to prepare your finances. We want you to become a homeowner expert!

Customize your home

It’s finally time to personalize and stylize your home! Start by learning about the different locations and price points of the communities we are building safe and affordable homes in. Once you’ve selected your new neighborhood, our staff will help you choose between a variety of floor plans to match your lifestyle. Finally, customize your home with a selection of exterior colors, cabinetry, countertops, and more. Habitat Orlando & Osceola wants your new place feel like home.

Building quality

Your lot is secured and walls are going up. You are that much closer to owning a home!

Your home is being built using energy-efficient, environmentally friendly construction practices to help better our community and lower your utility bills.

Lend us a helping hand

Depending on the number of adults in your household, you are asked to contribute 75-150 hours of sweat equity to Habitat Orlando & Osceola. Sweat equity can mean everything from constructing homes to sharing your story with our supporters.

By fulfilling your sweat equity, you have a bit more of a stake in the construction process and often can learn home maintenance in practice, especially when volunteering on our build site. We are rooting for you every step of the way!

Check out your new house

Homeownership is so close you can nearly touch it… literally! Habitat homes take a few months to build start to finish and come equipped with select appliances, including a stove, dishwasher and refrigerator.

Welcome home

When you buy a home from Habitat Orlando & Osceola, you’re partnering with a builder who is ready to walk you through every step of the home buying process. You attended all the Habitat U classes, customized your home, and fulfilled your sweat equity. You put in the hard work and now it’s time to be rewarded! Our Habitat staff was with you every step of the way and wants to make the final step, closing, as easy and affordable as possible.

The home closing process consists of a lot of paperwork that we’ll take care of for you - but the closing process also involves also a lot of celebrating. As we hand you the keys to your safe and comfortable new home, you can finally add “homeowner” to your list of accomplishments.

Are you ready to begin your homeownership journey with us? Visit our page on the application process .

Why new construction makes sense for adults 55+

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 16:10:34 GMT

It’s never too late to become a homeowner, even if you’re 55+ and the kids have all left home. In fact, being an empty nester might be the best time for you to begin that journey to homeownership. Now the question is – should you buy an older home, or look at new construction? By partnering with Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County, the choice is easy.

New vs Resale Homes

Buying an older home may mean dealing with outdated fixtures, wiring, and plumbing – all of which can mean costly repairs down the road, or a pricey remodel that delays your move and drains your bank account.

A new home offers the opportunity to start fresh in a home full of new appliances , wiring, plumbing and more. With new construction you also get to pick the exterior color, as well as the interior finishes for your home. Your new home will be just the way you want it from the day you move in. That beats dealing with tarps, paint trays and ladders cluttering up your space.

Live easily in an accessible home

For those 55+, a single-story home is the way to go. You’ll enjoy easy access, and no stairs to navigate. Let’s face it, the idea of lugging laundry baskets up and down stairs loses its appeal over time. Remodeling an older home to have a downstairs master suite and laundry room can cost big bucks. Buying a home that meets your future needs means you will be able to “age in place” rather than having to leave your home as your lifestyle needs change.

Habitat Orlando & Osceola homes are designed to be accessible as their homeowners' abilities change, thanks to Universal Design. These features include a zero step entry, lever handles on all faucets and door handles, and adjustable closet shelving in the master bedroom.

Be part of a community

Living in your own newly built home means being a part of a neighborhood. You’ll have the space to host family dinners, and a backyard for the visiting little ones to run and play. Your home is your own. You can garden, sit on the front porch, or put on your favorite tunes without having to worry about bothering the neighbors through a shared wall like you would in a condominium or apartment.

Afford your home

If you’re living on a fixed income or worry about constantly rising rents, Habitat Orlando & Osceola can help. Buying your own new home means no more rent hikes, and an affordable fixed-rate mortgage that’s probably lower that the rent you’re paying now. With our energy-efficient designs and appliances, your utility bills will be stable and manageable.

Partner with Habitat Orlando & Osceola, and we can help you on the journey to owning a safe, affordable home where you can enjoy your golden years to the fullest. Learn more about our homeownership program .

8 signs you may be ready to buy a house

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 14:36:23 GMT

Buying a house is a big decision. But how do you when it’s time? Are you ready to be a homeowner? Here are 8 signs that you may be ready to buy a house.

You pay your rent on time

If you can consistently pay your rent on time, you can handle paying a mortgage on time. An affordable Habitat mortgage will be no more than 30% of your monthly income. The biggest obstacle for renters is usually not the mortgage but coming up with a hefty down payment. Habitat Orlando and Osceola’s low down payment mortgages remove that obstacle, helping to make homeownership affordable.

You worry about rising rents

With an affordable home mortgage, you’ll never get a rent increase notice. It’s a fixed expense that allows you to lower your cost of living, while increasing your quality of life. The advantages of owning over renting can come in the form of an extra bedroom, increased square footage, or a beautiful backyard.

You have a credit score of 640 or higher

A stable credit score shows that you are in control of your financial life. Buying a home should be a step up, not a struggle. Habitat Orlando & Osceola’s mentorship program works with applicants to help them achieve greater financial health.

You’re ready to take control of your own future

If you’re living in substandard housing – housing not being maintained, or that is overcrowded, temporary, or just too expensive – owning your own home can alleviate all those worries, giving you an affordable and stable place to live.

You’re ready to put down roots

I f you’ve built a life in an area you love, or your plans for career and family will keep you in one place - homeownership is the next logical step. Owning your own home means never having to worry about the landlord selling the property and asking you to leave. Your kids can stay in the same schools, and you can become a member of a neighborhood family.

You want the financial rewards that come with owning a home

Rather than paying rent and seeing nothing in return, owning your own home builds equity.

You know that equity is your friend

What is equity? It’s the current market value of a home minus mortgage/liens owed. As you pay down the mortgage, your equity grows, meaning more money in your pocket if you sell the home. You can also leverage the equity in your home into a line of credit, giving you access to cash for major expenses like a remodel or college tuition. Later in life, your home can stay in the family as a financial asset and be passed on to the next generation.

You want independence

Homeownership means no more rules about what you can and can’t do inside your home. Paint the walls any color you want! You can remodel your space if needed. You’ll have your own personal outdoor space as well, not often found in apartments and condos.

Buying your own home provides financial security that renting can’t. It stabilizes your monthly expenses without the worry of a rent increase lurking around every lease renewal. Don't settle, settle down!

Find out how Habitat for Humanity can show you the way home!

5 fun outdoor activities in Apopka

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 19:53:29 GMT

Living in Apopka means you are just minutes from enjoying all the natural beauty Central Florida has to offer. If you're considering building a Habitat home in our Juniper Bend community , you'll be able to enjoy some of these fun places for wild outdoor adventures.

Wekiva Springs State Park

Wekiva Springs State Park features crystal clear springs for swimming and snorkeling, as well as canoe/kayak paddle adventures. There are hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, plus camping and fishing. Bird watchers flock to the park every year to spot the many different bird species that live here, and it's part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

This is a wildlife lover’s dream ride! The Lake Apoka Wildlife Drive (LAWD) is 11 miles of gravel road along the north shore of Lake Apopka, where you are guaranteed to see dozens of different species of birds, along with lots of big gators. The patient and persistent might get a glimpse of bobcats and even otters. It takes about two hours to meander through the drive, and port-a-potties and a covered picnic area can be found at about the halfway point. If bird watching or nature photography is your thing, you won’t want to miss this. The drive is open Friday through Sunday, from sunup to sundown.

For the truly adventurous athlete, there is also a bike trail entrance at Magnolia Park, which runs along the north shore of Lake Apopka all the way into Minneola.

Magnolia Park

If you’re looking for a spot for great sunset photos, look no further. Magnolia Park , on the eastern shore of Lake Apopka, offers a large play area for the kids, a butterfly garden, picnic tables, and a boat ramp. The park hosts numerous outdoor events throughout the year including nature walks, fireside chats, and a Florida-style visit from Santa (on an airboat!) in December. Tent and RV camping are allowed.

King’s Landing

No Apopka outdoor adventure would be complete without a visit to King’s Landing . Home to the No. 1 rated paddle trail in Central Florida, this park has kayak and canoe rentals, or you can bring your own. The 8.5-mile paddle trail has a smooth current, with spots to “pull over” for a snack or a swim in the Wekiva River. Along the way you’ll have the chance to catch a glimpse of deer, otters, bears, and possibly even a wild monkey or two. It’s a wild way to spend the day!

West Orange Trail

Break out the bicycle or strap on those jogging shoes for a trip to the West Orange Trail. Completed in 1999, the West Orange Trai l is part of a nationwide “rails to trails” project, which converted unused railroad tracks into useable biking, jogging, and walking trails stretching from Apopka to Minneola. Since it opened, this trail has become a fixture in Central Florida life. The trail allows biking, walking, jogging, running, skateboarding, and even horseback riding. There are several stations along the trail where you can park, picnic, or take a rest. Bike rentals are available at Spin City Cycles in Apopka, just two miles from the trail entrance. The Apopka station/trail entrance can be found at 11 S. Forest Avenue.

How to choose the best home floorplan for your family

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 14:49:19 GMT

The home buying process with Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando and Osceola County is an exciting and life-changing process. Part of this exciting journey is having the opportunity to choose a layout that fits your family’s lifestyle.

Habitat Orlando & Osceola offers a variety of floorplans to choose from in each of our communities . As you begin to comb through your options, it’s important to think about how your family will use the space. The right floor plan will greatly improve your experience in your new home. We understand this can be a stressful decision process, so follow the tips below to help select the best layout for your family’s new home.

Select your number of bedrooms

This is an easy place to start. Consider how many family members you expect to live at your new home and if your family plans on growing. We offer three and four bedroom homes. Even if you’re a smaller family, an extra bedroom could act as a guest room or an office space.

Think about your bathrooms

Our current communities offer 1-2 full bathrooms. Silver Pines Pointe offers two full bathrooms, while most of Juniper Bend's floorplans offer one full bathroom.

One bathroom may be more than adequate for smaller families, but two bathrooms can be useful for larger families and families that like to entertain frequently.

Pay attention to the location of the bathrooms as well. Some of our homes offer the second bathroom as a master bath while others have both bathrooms in shareable locations.

How much space do you need?

Our pre-designated floor plans range from 1,244 square feet to 1,548 square feet. The extra square footage is most commonly found in the living space and storage areas. Depending on your family’s size and lifestyle, the extra space could just make life just a little easier.

Most new construction homes are designed with open floor plans. An open floor plan may be that extra space for your children to run around, or the ideal set up for an evening with guests. We offer a variety of layout options, so sometimes it just comes down to personal preference!

Storage, storage, storage

All of our homes offer extra storage space and a designated laundry/utility space. If a single-car garage is high on your list of must-haves, then focus your attention to our Silver Pines Pointe homes .

Every family is going to have personal belongings, but some may have more than others. To select the ideal layout for your family, take into consideration how much storage space your family may need

Be Mindful of Your Budget

As you run down this list of decisions, it’s important to keep in mind that more space comes with a cost. Our Habitat U classes will help you prepare your finances and determine how much you can spend on your home. Some choices may even be made easier as you can narrow your choices to what best fits your budget.

Buying a home can be a nervewracking process, from applying to choosing the look of your home. At Habitat Orlando & Osceola, our staff strive to make the journey as smooth as possible by being available for any questions or concerns.

Are you ready to apply to become a Habitat homeowner? Visit our online Orientation , which will walk you through the program once more before allowing you to apply.

Nine free things to do in Orlando

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:09:30 GMT

Want to get out of the house but don’t want to spend any money? Here in Orlando, there are plenty of ways to have a good time without spending a dime.

At the time of this article’s publication, many of these locations require guests to wear masks and socially distance from others. Please check with each venue for any further instructions.

Enjoy this list of nine free things to do in and around Orlando!

Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando

One of the most iconic spots in Orlando, Lake Eola Park features the renowned Lake Eola fountain, as well as its famous resident swans. There is plenty of open space to relax and picnic. You can set the kids loose in the playground, or walk along the lakeside trail, taking in the spectacular views of our “city beautiful”. There are also free concerts and movie nights throughout the year. Learn more about this park .

Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park

Kraft Azalea Garden is a lush and secluded hidden gem. This quiet lakeside park is home to a great egret rookery, and these large birds can be seen year-round. It also features the largest, northernmost banyan tree. This towering tree, native to India and Sri Lanka, thrives in the Central Florida heat and humidity. Sunsets are particularly spectacular here, and the lake allows boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Read more about this Winter Park garden .

The Glass House in Lake Nona

No stone throwing, please. Visit Tom Fuin’s “Glass House” in Laurette Park Village in Lake Nona. This unique art installation is a part of Fruin’s ICON series and uses reclaimed materials with American folk-art influences. The Glass House is just one of many large sculptures located through the Lake Nona area. Day or night, this colorful structure makes for a perfect photo op. Check out this link for more information on The Glass House .

Disney Springs

No list of stuff to do in Orlando would be complete without mentioning the Mouse! With free, covered parking and rows and rows of shops, Disney Springs is a great place to spend the day, even if you’re just window shopping. Check out the amazing sculptures in The Lego Store, search for hidden Mickey’s, or cool off at the Splash Pad. When your feet get tired, hop on the free boat ride for a relaxing cruise around the lagoon past Port Orleans, Riverside, and back again. Learn more about Disney Springs .

Universal City Walk

Not wanting to be left out, Universal Orlando has some free attractions, too. Parking at City Walk is free after 6 p.m., and there are plenty of shops to browse in this bright and vibrant venue. There are free water taxis to take you from one side of the park to the other. For a unique musical experience, hop on the water taxi over to Portofino Bay to catch the nightly Musica Della Notte opera, every night at sunset. Visit this website to read more about CityWalk .

Old Town in Kissimmee

The car buffs in the family will be eager to head to Kissimmee for a pair of weekly car shows. Strut your stuff at the Friday Muscle Car Show to see a slew of show-quality machines dating from new classics all the way back to the mid 60’s. On Saturday, old school classics and antique cars from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s take the spotlight. Each night is capped with an 8:30 p.m. cruise, as all these gorgeous show cars line up to parade around the streets of Old Town. For more information, visit My Old Town USA .

Artists and art lovers are in luck! Orlando has museums galore, many with free admission or that are free on select days. Donations are always appreciated.

Zora Neale Hurston Museum in Eatonville

Located in Eatonville, the oldest incorporated African-American municipality in the U.S., this museum features the history of famed local author Zora Neale Hurston herself, as well as many works of art by artists of African descent. Visit this website before you visit .

Cornell Fine Arts Museum in Winter Park

Located on the Rollins College campus in Winter Park, this museum features permanent and rotating exhibits, meaning you’ll get the chance to see something new every time you visit. There are more than 5,000 art pieces and artifacts on display here, from the ancient to the contemporary. There are also hands-on activities for kids. Learn more about the Cornell Fine Arts Museum .

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Arts in Winter Park

Free on Fridays and select holidays, the Morse Museum is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of works of art created by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including his iconic leaded glass lamps and windows, as well as pottery and jewelry. The museum also houses a large collection of 20th century American paintings, furnishings, and architectural objects.

At the time of this article’s publication, the Morse requested that all visits, including free visits, first be booked online. To learn more, please visit https://www.morsemuseum.org/plan-your-visit .

BONUS ENTRY: Orange County Regional History Center

Located just off Orange Avenue in downtown, the History Center features four floors of exhibits that take you on a journey through 12,000 years of Central Florida history.

Free admission is offered to: children under 4, Orange County employees, and all Florida teachers/educators (kindergarten through university). Regular admission is between $6 - $8. Orange County Library card holders receive $2 off admission, and AAA members get a 15% discount. Visit their website here .

Watch Habitat Orlando & Osceola's first-time homeowner orientation

jbabcock@habitatorlandoosceola.org (Jenny Babcock) — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 16:58:27 GMT

Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County is now offering another virtual experience for those interested in its homeownership program: a webinar geared to first-time homebuyers who want to learn more about the Habitat journey to homeownership.

Liz Alicea-Madera, Habitat Orlando & Osceola's Director of Program Services, describes the program's application process, criteria, and more in this video.

A few important takeaways from the video include:

Eligible applicants need to show that they have: a housing need, the ability to afford their home's mortgage, and the willingness to partner with Habitat Orlando & Osceola.
When applying with Habitat Orlando & Osceola, applicants are not applying for a rental property. They are applying for a mortgage loan.
When thinking of the debt-to-income ratio: On the front end, the future mortgage payment must be no more than 30% of the applicant's gross monthly income. One the back end, the future mortgage payment as well as any debt required to be paid at the moment (i.e. student loans, car loans, credit cards) must be no more than 43% of your gross monthly income.
Applicants work with a " one-stop center " when they join Habitat Orlando & Osceola's homeownership program . Habitat Orlando & Osceola builds the home, works with partner lenders on their future homeowners' behalf, and helps obtain down payment assistance.
The benefits of owning a Habitat Orlando & Osceola home include: free select appliances, three to four bedroom homes, the opportunity to customize the home, and more.
Liz recommends looking at the neighborhood currently being built by Habitat Orlando & Osceola - and the homes - via AffordableHomesOrlando.org .
Email Home@HabitatOrlandoOsceola.org with any questions for the Program Services team.

Are you ready to apply to become a Habitat homeowner? Visit our online Orientation , which will walk you through the program once more before allowing you to apply.

Tips for working from home productively

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 20:47:36 GMT

Working from home is “the new normal” for a lot of people. Whether you’ve been telecommuting for a while or you’re still adjusting to this sudden change, here is a list of handy tips for making the most of your remote work life.

Create your own workspace

Not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated home office space, but it is still important that you carve out some sort of space for yourself while working from home. It helps make that mental and physical separation between being “at work” and being at home.

The kitchen table might seem like a good option but, since that’s a busy part of the home, it can be noisy and distracting. Pick a quiet corner in a dining room or bedroom away from the main part of the house. A small desk and some stacking totes for your files won’t take up much room and will give you a quiet place to work. Even a folding card table will do, if your remote work life is temporary.

Do invest in a comfortable office chair, however. Your back will thank you.

Dress for work

Get dressed each morning. You don’t have to put on heels or a suit and tie, but get out of those pajamas. It’s a good way to let your brain know, “I’m starting my workday.”

Sign into your virtual meetings a couple of minutes early to make sure you don’t have any technical issues, that you look professional on camera, and that your background is clear of clutter.

Time is on your side (finally!)

Depending on your commute time, you could have an extra 2-3 hours a DAY now that you’re working from home. Are you a morning person? Use this time to take a walk around the block or enjoy a morning workout. Unload the dishwasher or sweep the floor while the coffee’s brewing. You night owls can take advantage of the extra time to sleep in a bit later and still make it to work on time, fresh and well rested.

Another great advantage of this extra time is that you can spread your household chores across the week rather than having to cram them all into the weekend. Make a chore chart and assign each room or chore to a day of the week. By the time Saturday comes, your house is clean, your errands are run, and you have the weekend to spend with family, hobbies, or just relaxing.

Claim your time

Set some boundaries with the rest of the household. Make sure the rest of the family knows that, just because you’re home, that doesn’t mean you are at their beck and call, or that all the chores fall on you now. When you’re on the clock, you’re at work just like before.

Avoid distractions

Treat your day at the home office just like you would the regular office. Keep the TV off, stay off Facebook, maybe play some quiet music for background noise. You may be surprised at how much more productive you are without the distractions of a busy office.

Be social

When it comes to work, it’s important to maintain contact - even when it can’t be in person. Make sure you are seen and heard during those Zoom meetings, even if it’s just to say, "great seeing you all!” at the end. Keep in touch with your coworkers, too. Check in on Terry to ask about the new baby or send a text to Chris to congratulate them on buying their first home. Consider sending your manager a weekly recap of all the things you’ve accomplished each week, to show them you’re getting the job done even if they can’t see you.

Take some time off

Feeling sick? Take the day off. Planning a staycation for your birthday week? Request that PTO! Working from home does not mean you need to be “on” 24/7/365. You wouldn’t be very productive trying to work through a bout of the stomach flu, and you’ve earned your PTO.

D on’t cheat yourself out of your time off just because you’re not physically in an office each day.

Get outside

It is important for your mental well-being to get outside at least once a day, just for a change of scenery if nothing else. As safely as you can during the Covid-19 restrictions, get out of your home. Take a walk around the neighborhood, take a laptop outside onto the patio, head to a local café that has outdoor seating and free WiFi. Soak up some fresh air and that all-important Vitamin D from the sun. Just 15-20 minutes of sunlight can boost Vitamin D production and has been shown to support immune, brain, and nervous system health.

Embrace the routine of working from home

Set an end-of-day routine for yourself. Shut off the computer, walk the dog, do some yoga - something to signal your brain and body that the workday has ended and it’s time to relax. This can help you maintain a sense of order in your life.

How to buy your new home virtually

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 20:42:45 GMT

So, you’re ready to buy your first home! You’ve checked out listings, looked over your budget, considered what size house you need. You were ready! Then... Covid-19 struck. Now what? Never fear, you can still move your homebuying journey forward by going virtual! Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County can take you on your first homebuying adventure right from the comfort of your own couch.

Virtual Home Tours

Habitat Orlando & Osceola offers virtual home tours, where you get a real view of your new home. We’ll walk you through the front door and show you everything the home has to offer. You’ll be able to start imagining yourself in the space before even setting foot inside.

Online Customization

Since Habitat homes are new construction, you’ll get to customize many of your home’s features. Our “design center” will be available digitally, at your fingertips. Future homeowners receive a custom packet with their options for flooring, cabinetry, exterior colors, floorplans and more.

Digital Resources

Our homeownership classes are a special Habitat offering – you'll learn what it takes to be a successful home buyer. Now, our Habitat–U has gone digital, meaning you’ll be able to take part in all of our homeowner education classes on your schedule, whenever and wherever you want!

In addition, our team works with you virtually to assemble a custom financing package. Answers to your questions will be just a phone call or mouse click away.

Time to get real

When the time comes, you’ll get an in-person walk-through of your new home, with proper social distancing and safety protocols observed, allowing you to see you brand new home up close and personal.

Find out how Habitat for Humanity can show you the way home!