Beginning February 22, 2023, the City of Key West and Habitat for Humanity will launch their second six-week free homeownership course for residents.  The course will provide information and resources to help people get ready to buy a home, focusing on affordable homeownership options in the Lower Keys.

The course is linked to homeownership opportunities for the Keys workforce.  The first development is through AH Monroe and the Lofts at Bahama Village, with 26 units that will become available for homeownership.  The second is through Habitat for Humanity, with 8+ homes planned over the next few years.

Topics will include Affordable Homeownership Opportunities in the Lower Keys; Credit Building; Budgeting for Homeownership; How Mortgages Work; HOAs and Closing Costs; and Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance.  Professional bankers and realtors from the community are volunteering to teach the classes, including Daunte Aguilar, Gisselle Garcia, Maggie Sayer, Jimmy Lane, and Marie Brouillette

The first session of this course ran in 2022 and received excellent feedback from participants.

"The different options can get confusing," says Hannah Edwards, Community Outreach Coordinator for Habitat.  "The Habitat mortgage model works one way, and the affordable homeownership units regulated by the Housing Authority work slightly differently.  If people know about the options and how they work, they can be ready to apply when something becomes available."

This course will be capped at 20 attendees.  Priority is given to those on the waitlist after last year's course.  Afterward, participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Attendees must commit to all six (6) classes.  A waitlist will be started when all seats are filled.

Classes will be held in the Fellowship Hall at Peace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2610 Flagler Avenue, from 6:00 PM–7:30 PM on Wednesdays, beginning February 22.  For more information on the course or to sign up, email Hannah Edwards or 305-294-9006 ext. 2.