“I have never had a sense of home, I never thought I would buy a house. Now that I have it, it still feels like a dream,” is what Elliot, a recent first-time homebuyer, had to say as they have embarked on this new journey.
Elliot, a proud Georgian, had grown up in the foster care system at a young age after their parents passed away. After spending time in South Georgia’s College Park, or one of the sea chain islands in Helena Park, they wanted to set roots along the way.
As a queer-disabled, multi-racial person, thoroughly researching and comparing options via spreadsheets (shoutout to their Master’s Degree in Library Science), from social and economic policies, finding community, accessing public transportation and healthcare, and affordability was key to finding their new home. Elliot had their eyes set on Minnesota. Additionally, Elliot appreciated how welcoming many Minnesotans are to refugees and being fairly inclusive. Although some people may have their own image of Minnesota, they have been able to see how Minnesota can embody the spirit of “give me your tired, your poor.”
Elliot, ABC Realty Home Owner
Today, Elliot is getting settled into their new home on the East Side of Saint Paul thanks to a culmination of quality friendships, advice from sincere professionals, and believing that they are deserving of a place to call home. You can read more about their story below:
How has the transition to Minnesota been?
While I love my hometown’s food, the people, etcetera, it turns out I love the winter. I went out in shorts in the city of Atlanta’s 2014 snowmageddon snowfall. The roads were deemed being in emergency conditions, they had to remove cars, Georgia was not prepared for that. In Minnesota, they seem to take more caution and be more prepared.
I brought Marcus [you can read about his story here!] and encouraged three of my other friends to come to Minnesota. Marcus and I have been friends for 11 years. I was a sophomore in college when we narrowed down where we were going to be be moving to with darts. Minnesota won 4-0 in the game. Marcus was a HUGE part of housing searching process. I got a grant from the city of Saint Paul for my down payment, on the condition that I stay in my house for 10 years. I now live on the border of Phalen. I got shopping in Maplewood. I can go to Minneapolis for day trips. It’s been great.
How did you get connected with your ABC Realty Realtor, Seanne Thomas?
My model city advisor gave me a list of [realtor] names. I have a huge tenant to support Black and women-owned businesses. ABC supports the things that I want in my community, because they are a part of that. Out of the list, I chose Seanne who also is a Phalen girlie which is wonderful.
I grew up bouncing houses in foster care since I was 4. I have never had a sense of home, never thought I’d buy a house. Almost as if it was out of reach. I was waitlisted for the Saint Paul grant program, where you have 30 days to complete financial education coaching. When Seanne and I started the housing search we viewed 16 houses in three weeks. I signed a work contract at the beginning of August and by the beginning of September, even though it was a rough market, we were able to make things start to happen. Everything happened kind of fast but I’m glad it got me to where I am today.
Tell us about your new home.
It was built in 1925. I’m trying to restore as much of it as I can. I didn’t know what to do with myself [upon moving], but Seanne gave an idea of the nearby restaurants, the community, and overall helpful tips as someone who knew nothing about the housing process here.
After I got the keys in October, unfortunately in the freak accident of the universe, my boiler went out 10 days after. We were winterizing things as much as possible. I ended up moving in on December 16th and I never thought I would ever have a home. I never thought I’d be in the wealth class of homeownership. Now that I have it I’m going to put apple trees down. It still feels like a dream.
I work for the state, have lovely access to public transportation, and my cat. It’s a good city. The neighborhood is great, despite being disabled, I’m a trans non-binary, disabled person in America that has been given the opportunity to live a life here.
Any piece of advice for other first-time home buyers?
It’s always going to cost more money than just the mortgage. Your home may not be perfect the first-time. There are tool libraries that work between business hours, use them. Youtube is your friend. Save up at least 200 dollars if you want to patch up anything. Enjoy moving, enjoy living before you try to perfect the house. Don’t skip your home inspection!
Which is your favorite room?
My nomadic foster life led me to collecting. I took the door off of a closet and put bookshelves, slowly turning it into a library. I am currently reading a book called The Poison Heart, it’s about an African-American girl whose family leaves her a property, and a book on herbs.
ABC Realty would like to give a big thank you to Elliot and wish them a prosperous time as they relish in this moment in time. We can use this empowering story as a reminder to lean on your community and their resources. They can often times play a crucial role in providing the necessary guidance and support throughout the homebuying process. From financial assistance programs to accessibility resources, ABC realty can ensure you have the tools, knowledge, and options necessary needed to make the best decision in securing your new home.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of society. This includes the realm of homeownership, where young BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals play a crucial role. Empowering and supporting young BIPOC homebuyers is not only a matter of social justice but also has significant economic and societal benefits.
ABC Realty was able to connect with a recent young BIPOC homebuyer, Marcus, where he was able to tell his story of how he utilized community resources to close on his first home.
Marcus, ABC Realty Home Owner
Marcus, can you explain what the homebuying process was like and how you got connected with your ABC Realty real estate agent, Seanne Thomas?
Honestly, it was a pain in the butt! We were looking at houses from September until December 30th before we settled on the home we chose. With every house there was a problem. Maybe the house would have cost me more money to set up, or for me to fix. Or maybe when we were ready to choose a home, someone already had purchased that home.
My previous roommate was also looking for a home at the time, so they recommended Seanne Thomas. From then on, we began looking at the Rivoli homes coming up, there were also income-driven comes that we were looking at.
I went with the NeighborWorks program that works with low- to moderate-incomes homes. I depended on the combination of both Seanne and other family members who have also owned a house. Since Seanne is more knowledgeable on the Minnesota market, I was able to ask, “Is this normal here?”
NeighborWorks Home Partner, how did you discover them and their ties with Habitat for Humanity?
I spoke with a home advisor, Jeff, that basically recommended me to reach out to Habitat for Humanity. They have a loan lending program, or NeighborWorks opportunity. This program had the lowest interest rate going because the housing interest rate was really high at the time.
This process was the easiest of them all. They just needed my information. I would recommend this program to first-time homebuyers. If you have less debt and have a good financial standing, I’d recommended this program even more. From [trying to get my new] mortgage, to car payments, to student loans, this program helped me balance it all. This program goes based off of fixed monthly payments at no more than 30% of your income.
I hear a little accent, what’s your background? How long have you been in the Twin Cities for?
I’m all the way from Albany, Georgia. I moved up here in 2019 and got my master’s degree. Trying to get your master’s degree and moving at the same time, was a little weird. The job market down in Georgia was not good for tech roles, versus coming here to Minnesota. Ironically enough, it was either Minnesota or New York. [My roommate and I] we ended up tossing some darts and we said, “whichever city it lands [on], it’s going to be a fresh start for everyone.” Once that was decided, I was just looking for jobs, especially after they started raising the rent in our current apartment. We ultimately came to the conclusion that after raising our rent, we might as well both get our own homes.
Tell us a bit about your home! What’s your favorite room in your home?
I have not stayed in the house yet, but I don’t recommend moving in the winter! I’m still moving things in. It’s in Saint Paul and the neighborhood seems pretty quiet. I have seen different animals these days.
My [soon-to-be] game room/office is my favorite room! I’m going to be playing my Naruto games for sure. I’m hoping to get a better PC so I can play even more games.
What were you looking for in a home versus what you might have had to possibly compromise on?
Before my compromises, I wanted a four bedroom, two baths, and a basement. After the compromises and prices, I pulled back to three rooms, and I could possibly turn the basement into a fourth bedroom or guest room. For the price that I got the house, there’s a garage also detached. For the bathroom I didn’t get, I did get a garage and there’s lots of space in the attic.
What do you recommend for other young BIPOC folks that may also be first-time homebuyers?
I would definitely recommend to do your research and make sure you get your home inspection.
Empowering young BIPOC homebuyers is essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. By providing opportunities for homeownership, we can promote economic empowerment, community stability, representation, and work towards closing the racial wealth gap. It is crucial for policymakers, lenders, and community organizations to collaborate and implement initiatives that remove barriers and provide support to young BIPOC individuals on their journey to homeownership. Together, we can create a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve the dream of owning a home for future generations.
In the heart of St. Paul, Minnesota, a remarkable initiative is taking shape to address the pressing issue of housing justice. The East Side Community Investment Cooperative (ESCIC) is a shining example of how cooperative models can empower communities and pave the way for a more equitable future. ABC Realty also got a chance to speak with Ismail Khadar, a native East Sider and Co-Director at the East Side Freedom Library, to learn more about this initiative and how we can imagine better futures for our communities.
The Power of Co-ops in Housing:
Cooperative housing models have long been recognized as a powerful tool for addressing housing inequality. Unlike traditional housing structures, co-ops are owned and governed by the residents themselves, ensuring that decisions are made collectively and in the best interest of the community. This democratic approach not only fosters a sense of ownership and pride but also allows residents to actively participate in shaping their living environment.
ESCIC stands as a beacon of hope in the pursuit of housing justice. This cooperative is led by dedicated individuals such as Muneer Karcher-Ramos, the director of the Office of Financial Empowerment with the city of Saint Paul. The co-op located in St. Paul’s East Side, is committed to providing affordable and sustainable housing options for its community members. By pooling resources and leveraging collective strength, ESCIC aims to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone has access to decent housing.
Partnerships for Success:
ESCIC’s journey towards housing justice has been made possible through strategic partnerships. Nexus Community Partners, a trusted ally, has played a pivotal role in assisting ESCIC with the incorporation process and navigating technical details. This collaboration highlights the importance of community organizations working hand in hand to achieve common goals.
The Arc of Justice:
To truly understand the significance of ESCIC’s mission, we must acknowledge the historical context of housing justice struggles. The documentary film “Arc of Justice” sheds light on the challenges faced by African American cooperatives, including NCI, in their pursuit of economic independence. ESCIC’s commitment to housing justice echoes the resilience and determination of those who came before them, fighting against discrimination and striving for a better future.
Housing Justice for All:
ESCIC’s work extends beyond providing affordable housing. It is deeply rooted in the principles of housing justice, which advocate for fair and equitable access to housing for all individuals, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. By actively engaging with the community and addressing systemic barriers, ESCIC is paving the way for a more just and inclusive society.
The East Side Community Investment Cooperative in St. Paul, MN, stands as a shining example of the transformative power of co-ops in housing. Through their commitment to housing justice, ESCIC is not only providing affordable housing but also empowering communities and fostering a sense of belonging. As we continue to strive for a more equitable society, initiatives like ESCIC serve as a reminder that collective action and cooperative models can bring about lasting change. Together, we can build a future where housing justice is a reality for all.
To learn more information or to keep up-to-date with the most recent news, you can visit ESABA’s website here.
