THE KXVO CW15 OMAHA ENTERTAINMENT NEWS | Buy appliances and more for pennies on the dollar from Habitat for Humanity

By Elaine Zimmermann

Demaris and Dan: I heard something about getting new household items from Habitat for Humanity. Is this program for poor people?

Elaine: I am asked this question almost weekly, so I will explain the program again.

No, regardless of income, anyone can purchase new building materials and new appliances from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. For example, a $3200 built-in oven is about $120 at the ReStore. This is a new, unused oven. It is still in its shipping container and taped shut.

What many people do not realize is that Habitat for Humanity is a national organization that is present in the community year-round. Many people only are aware of them on the few days of the year when they dedicate houses in their communities.

Most major cities have "ReStores", their retail outlets, which operate year-round. You can locate a ReStore in your city by go to their Internet site.

The Habitat for Humanity organization accepts donations of new and "gently used" home building materials and appliances. What most people are unaware of is the organization accepts donations nationally from major appliance, home equipment and building supply companies. For example, if GE has 13,200 off-white refrigerators that were not sold at wholesale to appliance stores in 2011 and the new color for 2012 is egg-shell white, GE may decide to donate all of these new refrigerators to Habitat for Humanity for a tax write-off. Then Habitat will either use them in their new home construction projects or merely ship them to their ReStores nationwide for sale. A $3200 brand new refrigerator may cost you $200 at the ReStore.

This is also true for building supplies and fixtures. They have sinks, faucets, doors, windows, carpet, lumber and light fixtures as well as thousands of other items.

Because Habitat for Humanity is a charitable organization, they do not advertise. This may account for the low profile they seem to have. Most people have heard about their local ReStore by word-of-mouth.

Their local websites allow you to view their inventory. They update their sites regularly but cannot guarantee the items you see will be available when you arrive at the store. Keep in mind this is a charity using some volunteer workers.

When considering a purchase from the ReStore there are a few obvious things you must remember. First, all items are sold "as is". They are a charity and can not service or warranty an item. Second, you are responsible for delivering the items to your location. (Many home stores rent large trucks with "dollies" if you need one for your purchases.)

Thirdly, most ReStore have one phone line, but it may be busy; go by in person to see their inventory. Finally, they accept major credit cards and cash. No checks. They cannot "hold" items without payment.

Because they are a charity, if you make a purchase why not considering adding an extra $5 to your total? It will be appreciated.

Elaine Zimmermann is a personal finance expert who was written about everyday ways to save money on cars, homes, vacations and more. For information on investing in foreclosed real estate you can visit her website at www.AskElaineZ.com.