Google “millennial homeownership” and you’ll come upon story after story about a generation choosing alternatives to buying houses. But a vacant home restored by our Development team turned out to be a perfect match for one young buyer.
This house on the corner had suffered years of neglect and was filled with the collections of its previous owner – including some explosively unique items like live mortars! The home was restored to bring out historic qualities while improving the function and improving energy efficiency. When it was listed for sale, it was found by a 24-year old business owner looking for her first home, and it was love at first sight. The down payment assistance that NeighborWorks Home Partners offered through Project Reinvest and Community Keys made it all possible.
The new homeowner, Salvia, is a 24-year-old fashion designer at Clothier Design Source, a local apparel developer and manufacturer in Saint Paul. She began to pursue homeownership after a challenging search for a new apartment.
Q: How did you decide to buy a home?
A: My family always encouraged homeownership. I was looking at apartments and it was crazy. I have a pit bull and it can be hard to find places to rent that will allow dogs, especially her breed, and rents were high. It was cheaper to buy through NeighborWorks than to rent!
Q: Did it take you a long time to find a home? Was it hard to decide?
A: I looked at a lot of houses. I knew this was the one as soon as I walked in! This house is in great condition and I don’t have to make a lot of repairs, which is good because I don’t have a lot to spend!
Q: What did you think of the homebuyer education?
A: There were some things I already knew, but I learned a lot. The biggest thing for me was that I didn’t know what equity meant and how to build it, but now I’m doing it.
Q: What does it feel like to own your home?
A: I feel excited and totally overwhelmed! It’s been a long process and now I’m excited for the next adventure! I’m going to paint the walls with birch trees. I’ve already met a lot of the neighbors – my next door neighbor is going to teach me about gardening.
Q: Did you think this would happen at this stage in your life?
A: I am super surprised that I have a house now! I just turned 24. But I think I’ve inspired a lot of my friends and shown them that this is something that could be done! A lot of us don’t have a lot of money – life is expensive! – but this was achievable. I couldn’t have done it without NeighborWorks Home Partners, Community Keys, and Project Reinvest.
