National Homeownership Month is not just a time to celebrate our successes as an organization, but also a time to celebrate the successes of local residents like Mr. Watson, who have worked to make their dream of homeownership come true.
Mr. Watson first found out about DHIC through Eisha Brooks, an Assistant Property Manager at Wakefield Hills, who told him about DHIC’s Homebuyer Education Workshops. “He was the perfect candidate for success,” remembers Counseling Coordinator/Sr. Homeownership Advisor, Tammy Simmons. “He had already been pre-qualified through the VA and he stayed on top of everything to make sure he had exactly what he needed at all times.”
Tammy and Sr. Homeownership Center Administrative Coordinator, Tiffany Wilkins, acted as a trusted resource for Mr. Watson on his journey to homeownership. “We were there to answer any of his questions about the process, which helped him to feel more comfortable. He was truly a pleasure to work with and we ended up introducing him to the Raleigh Area Land Trust,” explains Tiffany.
As Wake County’s first community land trust, RALT is helping to expand affordable homeownership opportunities for low- to moderate-income families, with a plan to bring 100 affordable homes to the area over the next five years.
After completing our “Bringing Home the Dream” workshop and meeting with RALT, Mr. Watson became the land trust’s first buyer. Now the proud owner of a three-bedroom, one-bathroom single-family home in Southeast Raleigh, Mr. Watson has achieved his dream of homeownership right here in his hometown, where he’s able to live close to his friends and family.
“Mr. Watson is proof that even in the current housing market, first-time homeownership is possible, with the right tools. We’re thrilled that we were able to help guide him on his journey and we look forward to seeing RALT’s continued success over the coming years,” Tammy says.
You can read more about Mr. Watson and his journey to becoming RALT’s first homebuyer here. If you’re interested in exploring first-time homebuying resources or financial counseling, our Homeownership Center is here to help.