Many HCDI residents are working towards buying their own home, and in order to encourage and guide them, First Time Home Buyers workshops are held monthly at Home City Development’s Bay and Liberty community spaces. The workshops are hosted by New Homes Realty Group, and after a Covid break, began again in July 2021. Nilsa Laboy, President of New Homes Realty Group, brings in consultants for every part of the home buying process; including a lender, an attorney, and insurance company representative; to educate prospective first-time homebuyers. These workshops are free and open to the public, bring in Home City residents, as well as residents of Springfield, Holyoke, and the surrounding area. 20-30 people consistently attend each workshop, Laboy’s team provides breakfast and lunch, and all sessions are bilingual.
Priscilla Carrero, resident of Home City Development’s Liberty Hills Town Houses has wanted to own a home for over ten years now, and as a single mother it’s been a challenge. “When you start thinking positive, in a better future, sometimes you don’t have the correct people around you,” she said. She emphasized that surrounding herself with Laboy and her team has been hugely helpful.
It’s all about motivation, guidance, and encouragement for Laboy and her team. According to Laboy, about 50% of her attendees will eventually buy a house. And her team helps the other half with credit restoration. In order to qualify for the right mortgage, Laboy’s team often encourages the workshop participants to pick up more hours at work or get a better paying job.
“I took my first workshop two years ago with Wayfinders.” Carrero said. Then, Covid hit. She attended Nilsa’s workshop last month. “They say, listen, we have these programs, we can help you out. If it doesn’t happen now, don’t worry about it, don’t lose hope. You can continue and we can guide you in the process.” Carrero explained. “When you see the process you say, OK, it’s not that difficult, all I have to do is step by step, complete them and then see how it goes . . . Don’t lose hope, for any other single mother that is looking to buy a house. Nothing is impossible.”
HCDI’s first home ownership project is in preliminary planning stages. The development project site, the former Gemini site in the South End of Springfield, was just approved by the City of Springfield. Once completed, the development will include 33 for-sale residential units. Stay tuned for more!